MAKASSAR, RAKYAT NEWS – The pro Papuan liberation movement wing organisation, The Komite Nasional Papua Barat (KNPB) has officially inaugurated its new leadership for the Indonesia Consulate in Makassar. On February 1, 2025

Andarias Sondegau and his team were sworn in at a ceremony held in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

The inauguration was overseen by Warpo Sampari Wetipo, the First Chairman of the Central Board of KNPB, who emphasized the importance of youth in the ongoing struggle for independence.

In his address, Wetipo highlighted that full independence belongs to the people who resist what they claim colonialism against Indonesia, stressing that youth and students are essential to the movement.

He encouraged them to fight intelligently and strategically, utilizing the knowledge gained from education to strengthen their cause. Wetipo urged them not to become mere intellectuals serving colonial interests, but to embody true resistance in both thought and action.

Wetipo also warned the people of Papua not to expect a safe or prosperous future alongside the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

He criticized those in leadership positions who, according to him, only serve as tools for colonial oppression. Wetipo called on the younger generation to rise as leaders with the spirit of fighters, rather than those who are mentally defeated by the system.

Hiskia Meage, a former KNPB leader in Makassar, shared his hopes for the newly appointed leadership, urging them to remain open to everyone. He reminded them that KNPB is a movement of the people, and that the leadership should encourage discussion, reading, and critical thinking.

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