Propaganda by FWP Australia with the Screening of Frontier War: Inside The West Papua Liberation Army
Westnoken, Jayapura – The event planned by FWP Australia for the screening of the film Frontier War: Inside The West Papua Liberation Army on February 7, 2025, at Black Spark Cultural Centre, Melbourne, is a propaganda agenda that unilaterally portrays Indonesia in a negative light. The film depicts the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) as victims without presenting the full facts regarding the brutal violence committed by this group against civilians, security forces, and public infrastructure in Papua. This action serves as a political provocation that not only threatens Indonesia’s international relations but also endangers stability in Papua by supporting the narrative of separatist groups.
The film, directed by Matthew Jamieson and Kristo Langker, also spreads unfounded accusations regarding the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI). Such claims are a dangerous manipulation of information designed to mislead international opinion. In reality, the presence of the TNI in Papua is solely aimed at maintaining security and protecting the public from separatist groups, which often target innocent civilians. A biased narrative that favors separatist groups obstructs peaceful resolutions that should be prioritized for the well-being of Papua’s people.
The film’s narrative ignores the substantial efforts made by the Indonesian government to develop Papua for the welfare of its people. The government has consistently built critical infrastructure, including the Trans Papua Highway, airports, ports, and digital communication networks, significantly reducing Papua’s isolation. Furthermore, the government has provided scholarships for Papuan students to ensure better access to education and improve human resources in the region. Healthcare services have also been improved with the construction of hospitals and the deployment of medical personnel to remote areas of Papua.
The TNI’s role in Papua extends beyond military operations, as it actively adopts humanitarian approaches that prioritize dialogue and community welfare. These efforts are meant to protect Papuan civilians from the ongoing threat of armed separatist groups, which continue to use violence to achieve their political goals. Without the presence of the TNI, the Papuan people would remain under constant threat from armed groups that indiscriminately target civilians. Additionally, the TNI collaborates with local governments in various social initiatives to improve Papua’s overall living standard.
The government’s development strategy goes beyond infrastructure and focuses on inclusive and sustainable progress in education, healthcare, and the economy. Various initiatives, such as community empowerment programs, SME development, and the preservation of indigenous cultures, are continuously promoted to ensure equal opportunities for Papuans to grow and prosper like other regions of Indonesia. The government also remains committed to environmental conservation and protecting the rights of indigenous Papuan communities, ensuring that every development policy aligns with their needs.
The film Frontier War not only spreads misleading information but also disregards the legal status of Papua as an integral part of Indonesia. This status was affirmed through the 1969 Act of Free Choice (PEPERA), which was recognized by the international community. The Indonesian government continues demonstrating its commitment to Papua’s development, focusing on community welfare, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and indigenous rights protection.
The international community must remain vigilant against the provocative narratives presented in this film. Rather than being swayed by unfounded propaganda, the world should support Indonesia’s efforts to develop Papua as an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia. The government’s success in improving the welfare of the Papuan people while ensuring environmental sustainability and indigenous rights is an undeniable fact that must be acknowledged in the interest of Indonesia’s unity and sovereignty.