Nabire, Jubi – The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in various regions marked the 62nd anniversary of Papua’s struggle for independence that was started on December 1, 1961. Distinct events echoing the historical significance of the West Papuan nation’s inception and its ongoing struggle for independence.
In Yalimo Regency, the KNPB Yalimo observed the occasion with a worship service at its secretariat. This gathering, attended by activists from various movements, including the New Guinea Raad Yalimu and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Yaligem Kodam, featured Elder L Wandik leading the service and citing Deuteronomy 19:14 regarding inherited rights.
The ceremony involved KNPB activists lighting candles and jointly cutting a birthday cake. Theo Loho from KNPB Yalimo highlighted the symbolic significance, emphasizing that the lit candles and the united act of cake-cutting represented the continuous spirit of struggle until Papuan independence was achieved.
Similarly, the KNPB Sentani in Jayapura Regency held a discussion to commemorate the historic day. Sadracks Lagowan, the spokesperson of the Sentani Regional Executive Board, disclosed that the discussion centered on the West Papuan nation’s historical struggle between 1951 and 1971, underscoring the critical role of understanding this history as a cornerstone for the Papuan nation’s journey towards independence.
Lagowan stressed the importance of using historical awareness as a guide for the current generation’s efforts to achieve democratic independence. The discussion, facilitated by the KNPB Sentani Diplomacy Commissariat, concluded after two hours, culminating in prayers, coffee, and group photos. (*)
