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.

Meage emphasized that these intellectual tools are essential for the movement’s success and urged the new team to act thoughtfully and professionally.

Matulesi Giban, a delegate at the event, reminded the newly inaugurated leaders of KNPB’s significant role as the voice of the Papuan people. He reflected on the movement’s slogan, which resonates both domestically and internationally.

According to Giban, KNPB is not a group to be taken lightly; it is a formidable force in the fight against colonial oppression, ready to face any threats to its mission.

Arul, a representative from the Front Rakyat Indonesia for West Papua (FRI-WP) in Makassar, advised the student activists and freedom fighters to maintain their health and wellbeing. He cautioned that the struggles of the Papuan people are serious, and those still fighting for their rights must be ready for the challenges ahead. Arul reaffirmed FRI-WP’s commitment to support the movement, emphasizing the importance of standing united in the struggle for self-determination.

Pitolina Komarigi, a representative of Papuan women, also spoke passionately about the historical significance of their struggle. She reminded the audience that Papua had already achieved de jure and de facto independence on December 1, 1961. Komarigi urged the women of Papua to remain strong and resolute in their pursuit of sovereignty, calling for unity and perseverance in the fight against external domination.

The ceremony concluded with a powerful call for unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The new leadership was encouraged to continue fighting for the rights and sovereignty of the Papuan people, ensuring that their struggle remains visible and vibrant on both the national and international stages.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government, through the Public Relations office of the Hasanuddin Military Command (Kodam), did not provide any significant response to the opening of the consulate by the Papua independence movement group. The similar things did the Indonesian Police Command (Polda) of South Sulawesi, did not provide any significant response to the opening of the cosulate by the pro Papuan rebellion group. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

 

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