Papua Conflict

The Papua conflict is an ongoing conflict in Western New Guinea between Indonesia and the Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka), a pro-independence group in the region. After Dutch colonial rule withdrew from Dutch New Guinea in 1962, the United Nations oversaw a short transitional period before Indonesia took full control in 1963. Since then Papuan fighters have launched a low-intensity armed resistance targeting the military and police, alongside acts of civil resistance and peaceful protests. Many Papuans seek full independence or unification with Papua New Guinea, and raise the Morning Star flag in defiance of Indonesian repression. Human rights groups have described widespread atrocities committed by Indonesian forces.