– Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has clarified Papua New Guinea’s position on the issue of West Papua during the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit in Suva, Fiji, reaffirming PNG’s respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty while supporting the MSG’s right to advocate for Melanesian cultural identity and human rights.

Responding to misinterpretations in a Post-Courier headline published today, Prime Minister Marape made it clear that at no point did he call for West Papua to be seated at the MSG table as a full member.

“I never said that West Papua must sit at the MSG table,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “What I did say is that while West Papua is constitutionally part of Indonesia, MSG has every right to speak on matters of human rights, people’s welfare, and the preservation of Melanesian cultural heritage.”

He reiterated that the West Papua issue must be approached respectfully, within the boundaries of Indonesia’s sovereignty. However, he emphasised that the Melanesian Spearhead Group, as a regional political and cultural bloc, is fully entitled to advocate for Melanesians wherever they reside—including those in West Papua, other parts of Indonesia, Australia, and the French territory of New Caledonia.

“Our focus remains on protecting Melanesian identity—our people, our land, our sea resources, our cultural heritage,” Prime Minister Marape said. “MSG has always had a role in advocating for the wellbeing of Melanesians, and we will continue to play that role responsibly.”

On the matter of membership, Prime Minister Marape noted that any applications for MSG membership must follow clearly defined processes. He called for clarity and consistency in how prospective members are assessed, to ensure unity and mutual respect among all MSG stakeholders.

“I urge the media and the public to be responsible and accurate in their reporting. My statement was misrepresented. Papua New Guinea upholds Indonesia’s sovereignty, but that does not prevent us from standing up for Melanesian communities wherever they are,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape’s comments reflect Papua New Guinea’s balanced and principled foreign policy stance—respectful of national boundaries, but unwavering in its commitment to regional solidarity, human dignity, and Melanesian identity.