Jayapura, Jubi – West Papua National Committee (KNPB) just accomplished the Second Congress that held on 23-25 October 2018 in Kampung Vietnam, Waena.
The new elected KNPB Chairman Agus Kossay said as the national representation of West Papuans, KNPB continues to fight for the right of Papua’s self-determination through a referendum.
“All participants of the Congress who consist of central and regional leaders and consulate members decide to fight for one political goal via a referendum as a peaceful and democratic solution, that is the independence of the West Papuan nation,” he told reporters on Tuesday (30/10/2018).
To achieve this goal, said Kossay, KNPB calls on all West Papuans to participate in the National Civil Strike as a national agenda of Papua. “Yesterday we decided to put off our microphone, but today we will reuse it against the colonialism,” said Kosay.
Moreover, he said that KNPB is ready to on-the-road action raising a red flag with “fighting” written as background, wearing army attributes, sunglasses and conducting peaceful rally around the city.
“We are going to return to our old path: a peaceful rally around the city’s streets with an agenda of self-determination through a referendum,” he said.
Kossay further explained about various strategies that they would use as a tool, in particular, the civil strike, to support both national and international agenda with the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).
On regards this strategy, he calls on the Indonesian National Police in both Papua and West Papua provinces to provide enough space in prisons for activists who will go the street for protest. “To the police, empty the prison because we’re coming soon. We’ll occupy the jail, and we’re ready for that,” he said.
Moreover, in the congress KNPB also declares their support for the West Papua National Liberation (TPNPB). “We declare to the people of West Papua and all components of our movement that we acknowledge the TPNPB as the only West Papuan military,” he said.
They also restate their support over the West Papuan diplomats united in the ULMWP who voice the self-determination issue at the international level.
The Second Congress which attended by 600 participants from 29 regional KNPB offices and 7 KNPB consulate offices in Indonesia also elected and appointed some new officials. They are as follows: Agus Kossay as the General Chairman, Warpo Wetipo as the First Chairman, Feronika Hubi as the General Secretary, Mecky Yeimo as the First Secretary, Ones Suhuniap as the National Spokesperson, Victor F. Yeimo as the International Spokesperson, Patrick Logo as the Treasurer. Some commissariats and departments were also established based on relevant requirements. (*)
Reporter: Hengky Yeimo and Benny Mawel
Editor: Pipit Maizier
