Prime Minister Hon. James Marape maintains that West Papua is within the sovereignty of Indonesia so it was responsible for addressing issues relating to sovereignty in West Papua.

Prime Minister Marape highlighted this when responding to a question in a press conference prior to his departure for Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum summit being held this week.

Mr Marape was asked whether West Papua would be openly discussed in the summit, especially now that Indonesia’s President-Elect Prabowo Subianto has advocated for West Papua.

In response, the Prime Minister highlighted that just as PNG would not want its neighbouring countries talking about sovereignty issues within its borders, Indonesia would not want its neighbours talking about West Papua and its sovereignty.

However, the Prime Minister said all other areas of its relationship with Indonesia such as economy will be open for discussion at the meeting.

Furthermore, he said the outgoing president Joko Widodo has given a greater focus on West Papua and  there is  indication that the  new president, Mr Subianto would do the same.

While on visit to PNG last week, the Prime Minister pointed out that the Indonesia’s incoming president has indicated to give greater respect to indigenous views on customs, culture, land rights and indigenous heritages should be preserved.

Prime Minister Marape said these matters would continue to be topics of discussion between PNG and Indonesia in meetings in Indonesia.

PM Marape will return from Tonga this Thursday, 29 August 2024.