Benny Wenda, left, with the ULMWP interim prime minister at the 22 Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders' Summit in Port Vila. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Kelvin Anthony
The leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Benny Wenda, has expressed confidence that the leaders' meeting in Vanuatu will grant the ULMWP full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Wenda is in Port Vila for the 22nd MSG Leaders' Summit, the first full in-person MSG Leaders' Summit since 2018.
"I'm really confident," he said, adding "the whole world is watching and this is a test for the leaders to see whether they will save West Papua".
MSG chair and Vanuatu Prime Minister Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau has confirmed the ULMWP's application to become a full member will be a top priority for the leaders.
Wenda told RNZ Pacific the West Papua liberation movement has been lobbying to be part of the MSG's agenda for over a decade, without success. The movement currently has observer status within the MSG.
However, he believes this year they are finally getting their chance.
Wenda said all branches of the ULMWP are in Port Vila, including the West Papua Council of Churches and tribal chiefs, and "we are looking forward to becoming a full member".
"That's our dream, our desire. By blood, and by race, we're entitled to become a full member," he said.
Indonesia, an MSG associate member, is also present, with the largest delegation of all countries in attendance at the meeting.
RNZ Pacific has been in contact with an Indonesia official for interview in Port Vila.
Members of the Indonesian delegation at the Melanesian Leaders' Summit pre-meeting of the Foreign Ministers' in Port Vila. 21 August 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Kelvin Anthony
'No hope' in Indonesia
Benny Wenda said they're not asking for independence but to become a full member of MSG.
"We've been killed, we've been tortured, we've been imprisoned [by Indonesian security forces]," he said.
"So, it's live with Indonesia for 60 years and there is no hope. We're not safe. That's why it is time for the [Melanesian Leaders' Summit] to make a right decision."
Wenda said it was "unusual" for Indonesia to bring "up to 15 people" as part of its delegation.
Melanesian leaders, he said, were capable of dealing with their regional issues on their own.
"Why are [Indonesia] here; [what] are they scared about," he asked.
"When we become full members we are ready to engage [with Indonesia] and find a solution; that is our aim. This is a part of a peaceful solution."