What would a free West Papua look like? Benny Wenda and Rex Rumakiek from the ULMWP – West Papua’s government-in-waiting – lay out their visions for a new country.
Benny Wenda is a West Papuan independence leader and International Spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). He was imprisoned by the Indonesian government but escaped in 2002 and now lives in Oxford, UK.
Rex Rumakiek is the Secretary General of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation, and an Executive Member of the ULMWP. He was part of the original delegation that founded a Free West Papua office in Vanuatu. He now lives in Sydney, Australia.
The New Internationalist is an independent bi-monthly not-for-profit magazine that reports on action for global justice. We believe in putting people before profit, in climate justice, tax justice, equality, social responsibility and human rights for all.
New Internationalist acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We acknowledge that these lands were stolen and sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
© Copyright New Internationalist 1973-2026. Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under Creative Commons.
Except where otherwise noted, images on this site are © the attributed photographer/illustrator or representative agency.