Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has underlined Papua New Guinea’s longstanding Foreign Policy position and restated the Government’s unwavering commitment to championing Melanesian Human Rights. This follows questions raised in Parliament by North Fly MP Hon. James Donald during Question Time today, regarding West Papua and PNG’s relations with Indonesia.
Responding with measured diplomacy and personal reflection, the Prime Minister assured Parliament, the nation, Indonesia, and all Melanesian communities that the Marape Government continues to uphold a principled stance—one that respects international sovereignty while consistently advocating for Human Rights.
“In the first eight years of my life, I lived in North Fly District and also Telefomin, which are next to the border between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia,” Prime Minister Marape said. “I understand clearly the lived realities of our border communities, and I understand where the Member for North Fly is coming from.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that Papua New Guinea is not influenced or pressured by any external nation regarding its positions on West Papua.
“There is no element of scaredness or fear in our approach,” he stressed. “We do not outsource our Foreign Policy to Jakarta (Indonesia). Papua New Guinea respects the full sovereign integrity of the Republic of Indonesia, but when it comes to Human Rights matters, especially concerning Melanesians, this Government will always advocate strongly.”
He made clear the distinction between the issue of Sovereignty and the issue of Human Rights—two pillars that have guided PNG’s consistent diplomatic approach since Independence.
“Sovereignty issues are different from Human Rights issues,” he said. “Since 1975, our Foreign Policy outlook on Indonesia’s sovereign integrity has not changed. But on Human Rights, we have every right to speak when concerns arise within our doorstep.”
Prime Minister Marape highlighted PNG’s active engagement across multiple Regional and Global platforms—such as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), and through spokespeople at the United Nations—where the Government has continuously voiced concerns over the situation in West Papua.
“As a Melanesian leader, I advocate for the Human Rights of Melanesians in all Forums I am privileged to attend,” he said. “Whether it is the United Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum, or Bilateral Meetings, Human Rights concerns regarding West Papua are always relayed.”
He also detailed his Diplomatic engagements with Indonesian leaders, including former President Joko Widodo and current President Prabowo Subianto.
“I thank President Prabowo. His first Bilateral visit after being elected was to Papua New Guinea, and in our one-on-one and collective Meetings, our concerns on Human Rights were expressed clearly,” the Prime Minister noted. “Both President Widodo (former President) and President Prabowo have been informed of our consistent concerns, and we continue to maintain respectful but frank dialogue.”
The Prime Minister further pointed to PNG’s substantial contribution to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Communiqué in August 2019, which sought deeper examination of Human Rights issues and their underlying causes in West Papua.
“In the Pacific Islands Forum in August 2019, Papua New Guinea contributed substantially to the text of the Resolution,” he said. “We called for not just the recognition of Human Rights issues, but also an examination of the causes, while respecting Indonesia’s sovereignty and preserving the rights of our Melanesian people across the border.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by stressing that PNG’s position today continues to follow the Foreign Policy foundation established at Independence.
“This Government upholds the Policy set since 1975,” he said. “Our Diplomatic channels remain active, our voice on Human Rights is never silent, and our commitment to peaceful, respectful engagement with Indonesia continues.”