PREVIEW BY VANNESSA HEARMAN
MELBOURNE — There will be a feast of music and comedy on February 28 as artists from Australia, West Papua, Papua New Guinea and East Timor perform at the Melbourne Concert Hall. The "Morning Star Concert for West Papua" will highlight the people of West Papua's struggle for independence and raise funds for the non-government organisation, Elsham.
Elsham plays an important role in documenting human rights abuses in the Indonesian-controlled territory. Elsham leader John Rumbiak will attend the concert, which is being presented by the Victorian Trades Hall Council. Proceeds from the concert will go towards setting up an international office of Elsham in New York, where Rumbiak is based, in order to intensify efforts to lobby the United Nations.
The UN presided over the farcical "Act of Free Choice" in 1969, in which a handful of West Papuan representatives were pressured accept the former Dutch colony's integration into Indonesia. Since then, Papuans have waged a spirited struggle for freedom — using guerilla warfare and, since the fall of Indonesian dictator Suharto in 1998, through public protests and flag-raisings. Raising the Morning Star flag, the symbol of West Papuans' desire for independence, is a regular form of defiance to Indonesia and has resulted in the jailing of many Papuan activists.
The West Papuan struggle has not had the same significant level of international profile that the East Timorese people's struggle attracted. Having the world's richest deposits of minerals and being the engine room of profit-making by US mining company Freeport McMoran, Western governments and big business have colluded with the Indonesian regime to ensure that West Papuan independence remains off the agenda.
The Morning Star Concert was conceived by Melbourne musician David Bridie (from the bands My Friend the Chocolate Cake and Not Drowning, Waving). Performers will include Alex Lloyd, Lisa Gerrard, the Dili Allstars and Pnau. Comedians John Clarke, Bryan Dawe, the Sandman, Dave O'Neil and Andrew Denton will also lend their support. Not Drowning, Waving will reunite for the concert. The Bangarra Dance Theatre will also take part.
International guest performers include Papua New Guinea singing sensation George Telek, traditional West Papuan musicians Black Paradise and exiled West Papuan reggae musicians Black Brothers.
"For three decades, West Papuans have endured an illegal and often brutal occupation by Indonesia's military forces. The situation of the West Papuan people is similar to that of the East Timorese before they voted for independence in 1999. The human rights violations will continue until the plight of West Papua becomes front page news", said Bridie. "In 1999, Australians stood up for the East Timorese. It is time we did the same for the West Papuans."
A book and CD, that will aim to educate the public and campaign for West Papua's freedom, will be released at the concert. For more information, visit <http://www.morningstarconcert.com> or phone Ticketmaster7 for bookings on 1300 136 166.
From Green Left Weekly, February 19, 2003.
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