Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

A fight over independence could cause uproar in the Pacific this week

One country has been accused of "trolling" a Pacific Island on social media before a high-stakes meeting.

A West Papua protest in Indonesia last year.

A West Papua protest in Indonesia last year. Source: AAP

As Pacific Island leaders gather this week for their annual meeting, one far-flung region could be a major cause of controversy.

Vanuatu plans to use the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Tuvalu to call for West Papuan independence and put the spotlight on alleged military abuses in the Indonesian-ruled area.

Leading the charge is exiled West Papuan independence leader Benny Wenda, who is now based in Vanuatu. It's believed to be the first time someone from Indonesia's Papuan provinces will form part of an official delegation at PIF.

A file photo of Benny Wenda.
A file photo of Benny Wenda. Source: Getty

Read more here.

Follow SBS Indonesian on Facebook and Twitter, and listen to our podcasts.


1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: SBS News




Share this with family and friends


Follow SBS Indonesian

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS Indonesian News

Watch it onDemand

Watch now