Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ measured approach to the West Papua issue, stating that his GNUT administration respects Indonesia’s sovereignty.
Speaking ahead of his departure to Indonesia this Friday, Manele addressed the media on his administration’s position on West Papua – a matter that has long been a sensitive topic in the Pacific region.
While acknowledging the complex nature of the West Papua issue,Manele said that there are two primary concerns: human rights violations and the ongoing call for self-determination.
He reiterated Solomon Islands’ recognition of Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua and also the importance of resolving the self-determination question through peaceful dialogue and consultation with the Indonesian government.
“Our position on self-determination is clear. It’s an issue that must be approached through dialogue and consultation with Indonesia,” Manele stated.
The Prime Minister also touched on human rights concerns in West Papua, an issue that has drawn international attention over the years. While reiterating respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty, Manele emphasised the importance of addressing human rights issues through constructive dialogue.
“We take the opportunity to express to Indonesia through dialogue that there are human rights issues they need to address. These include rights to land, access to resources, and other fundamental rights,” Manele noted, urging Indonesia to take these concerns seriously.
He also referred to existing mechanisms within the United Nations (UN) and regional bodies, stating that it is up to Indonesia to engage with institutions such as the UN Commission on Human Rights to allow further examination of the situation in West Papua.
Manele also referred to the UN’s Committee of 24, which deals with decolonisation and self-determination matters, reaffirming that international bodies are available to address such issues. However, Solomon Islands will continue to encourage discussions between West Papua and Indonesia to find a peaceful solution.
In line with this, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has previously called on Indonesia to invite the UN Commission to visit West Papua and assess the human rights situation on the ground.
Solomon Islands continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution to these critical issues through open dialogue and constructive engagement with Indonesia.
Manele will be traveling to Indonesia this Friday, to attend the inauguration ceremony for the new President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto and the Vice President Gibran Raka.
Indonesia has invited MSG countries or leaders to attend the inauguration ceremony.
The ceremony will be on Sunday, 20 October 2024 and the Prime Minister will return next Wednesday.
