In the lead up to the October 20 inauguration of President Probowo Subianto, Indonesia established five Vulnerable Area Buffer Infantry Battalions in key regions across West Papua, raising concern about further militarisation and repression in the occupied territory, writes Ali Mirin.
Ali Mirin
The Indonesian military is sending an estimated 5000 soldiers to occupied West Papua as part of its colonial land-grab, which includes plans to turn West Papua into Indonesia’s food bowl, reports Ali Mirin.
In the geopolitical games taking place in the Indo Pacific, West Papua's history and fate has been relegated to insignificance, writes Ali Mirin.
Papua New Guinea and Indonesia have formally ratified a defence agreement, which enables an enhancement of military operations between the two countries, with a specific focus on strengthening patrols along the border between PNG and Indonesia, writes Ali Mirin. But what will this mean for the security and sovereignty of West Papuans?