By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The media has been challenged to advocate more on the West Papua issue.
Mathew Hassor, President of the Sarang Burung Mambruk Project, says little attention has been given by the media to the genocide in West Papua. And there are many stories that remain unreported.
The Sarang Burung Mambruk Project movement has been advocating for West Papua and observed that the international media over time have been silent on the everyday West Papua genocide.
However, whatever little is reported comes from social media sit’s like Facebook, and Hassor has criticised the mainstream media for not giving West Papuans a voice.
“There has not much coverage given to the West Papua issue by the mainstream media. If the stories can be told, than the people and the rest of the world would know what is happening to our people.”
“In terms of accessibility, there has been no foreign journalist on ground, because they too might fear the government authorities.”
The Sarang Burung Mambruk Project thanked the Papua New Guinea Government, and the Melanesian Spearhead Group for addressing the West Papua issue as a global agenda.
His hope is one day all West Papuans will unite, raising up the morning star flag up high.
“At the end of the day, the West Papuans, we want freedom. We are calling on all West Papuans to unite and work together for our tomorrow.”
While acknowledging Indonesia’s relations with other countries like Papua New Guinea, a grave concern is the inhumane treatment of the people.
“It’s a bit’scary because of the genocide. We are strongly believed that our human rights have been violated.”
Meanwhile Oro Province Governor, Gary Juffa, speaking to EMTV News this week echoed the same sentiments.
“There have been killing and it’s sad to see that our media in Papua New Guinea have no reports.”
Juffa a strong supporter for West Papua challenged the media to advocate for change.
