Why Special Autonomy in West Papua has Failed
![West Papua Flag](/sites/default/files/styles/event_header_image/public/2020-03/West%20Papua%20Flag.jpg?itok=3tX8rkYf)
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Why Special Autonomy in West Papua has failed and why it matters for Indonesia and Australia
West Papua hit the headlines in 2019 with reports of student risings and military repressions of dissent.
West Papua (the formerly Dutch territory of Irian Jaya bordering Papua New Guinea)was made a part of Indonesia with the so-called Act of Free Choice in 1969. Over 50 years later, conflict over its status continues, and those Indonesians/West Papuans calling for independence and exposing human rights violations are targeted by the Indonesian military and police.
With President Jokowi re-elected in 2019, Special Autonomy status failing and shrinking space for civil society in both Indonesia and Australia, how can Australians show solidarity for human rights and self - determination in West Papua?