MEDIA RELEASE- 24TH JUNE 2025
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s support for open and respectful dialogue on West Papua, calling on Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries to continue advocating for cultural rights and human dignity of Melanesians within Indonesia without compromising national sovereignties.
Speaking at the 23rd MSG Leaders’ Summit in Suva, Prime Minister Marape said MSG has a responsibility to protect kinship, identity, and customary rights of all Melanesians, including those living within sovereign states such as Indonesia.
“Sovereignty is a construct and we respect it. But our people’s land rights, cultural identity, and Melanesian heritage do not vanish across borders,” PM Marape said. “MSG must continue to advocate for the people of West Papua in a way that upholds dignity, while maintaining diplomatic respect for Indonesia.”
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the continued presence of Indonesia at the MSG dialogue table, noting that engagement itself is a sign of goodwill and maturity on all sides. He reaffirmed that PNG’s position is not about interfering in domestic matters, but about encouraging solutions that honour traditional land ownership and human rights within sovereign structures.
“These are not confrontational discussions. They are cultural and humanitarian discussions, grounded in our shared Melanesian identity,” he said.
MSG Leaders have agreed to send a joint letter to the Government of Indonesia, expressing their collective position on West Papuan identity, customary land rights, and cultural autonomy.
Prime Minister Marape also pointed to the growing bilateral cooperation between PNG and Indonesia, including improved border access for trade, travel, and communication, and encouraged MSG countries to utilise PNG as a bridge for constructive engagement with Jakarta.
“We have opened up the northern and southern border corridors with Indonesia. Our MSG brothers and sisters are welcome to use PNG as a channel for respectful engagement with Indonesia.”
He commended MSG Chair, Fijian Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, for enabling these difficult yet vital conversations.
“This is the kind of mature and measured leadership that keeps MSG relevant, respectful, and rooted in our Melanesian values.”
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