The Free West Papua Movement has held a rare press conference in Papua New Guinea to call for international action on the conflict in Indonesian ruled Papua.
Governor of Papua New Guinea's National Capital Powes Parkop (with mic) speaks at OPM (Free Papua Movement) press conference in Port Moresby 31 January 2019 Photo: Supplied
Representatives of the movement's armed wing, the West Papua Liberation Army, gave an update about its conflict with Indonesian security forces in Papua's central Highlands.
OPM spokesman Jeffrey Bomanak announced the Movement's official support for the Liberation Army's declaration of war against the Indonesian state.
He said the armed struggle to end Indonesian rule would not end until Jakarta agreed to meet for peaceful negotiations, for which the OPM is establishing a team of negotiators.
However, Indonesia's government has previously ruled out negotiations with the OPM, which it brands as a criminal group.
Together with people from PNG's civil society, the OPM and Liberation army representatives also discussed West Papuan independence aims.
While PNG's government supports Indonesian control of Papua, MPs at the conference said there was a need to change the policy to help resolve the conflict.
Highlands-based Defense Region Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army, or TPNPB. Photo: TPNPB
The NBC journalist Rose Amos says the Governor of PNG's National Capital District, Powes Parkop, was among them.
"Governor Parkop announced that he is working on a submission to move motion in parliament for a change in the (government) policy because he says PNG government's existing policy between PNG and Indonesia is still in," Rose Amos said.