CHINA AN INNOVATIVE SOCIETY – A LESSON TO LEARN

By Benzamin Zairo*

“Richard Nisbelt, a psychologist at the University of Michigan once said, “If people are literally looking at the world differently, we think it would be natural for them to explain the world in different ways.”

The same can be said of the emerging China. There is much to learn and experience from China, a country since 1949, exploded into the world scene and set the pace for developing economies.

Papua New Guinea can see a leap in its step forward, whether be it utilizing its natural resources, population, financial resources, innovation and technologies; whatever it is, a clear economical development of a developing country like China is the basis of our drive to economical advancement.

From the inception of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in October 1 1949, the new party leading the government aimed for socialism. The process rapidly rehabilitated the country’s economy and it underwent economic construction that accomplished the socialist transformation of the private ownership of the means of production in most of the country.

The government introduced and practiced a planned economy system, whereby industrial production, agricultural production, and the stocking and selling of goods in commercial department were all controlled by the state plan.

The variety, quantity and prices in every sphere of the economy were fixed by the state planners. However, although these guidelines and basic policies defined by the party in that historical period led to brilliant successes and contributed to the planned development of China’s economy, it reduced its vitality and limited its growth.

Then came the dawn of a new period of China’s economy featuring the reformation and opening-up of China to the world. The closed economy ended and the “Decision on Reform of the Economic Structure” in 1978 led to the establishment of a vigorous socialist structure that has a planned market economy based on public ownership.

The introduction of the system for managing science and technology successfully impacted the economical reform. Special economical zones were established in selected cities and China used the overseas funds and draw on advanced experience on technology and management from foreign countries to invest.

The extensive opening and fast economic development of those economical zones boosted the nationwide reform and an effective economic construction. That economic restructure was one of China’s crucial reform and opening-up policy because some ten years after the reform, a clear direction of the establishment of a socialist market economy was clear and China can see a clear transformation in its development.

The government set out the main principles of economic restructuring; encouraging the development of diversified economic elements whilst retaining the dominance of the public sector; creation of a modern enterprise system to meet requirements of a market economy; establishing a unified and open market system across China, linking domestic and international market, and promoting the optimization of resources. The reform encouraged certain lead groups or resource rich provinces to become rich first, enabling them to help others towards prosperity too.

Meanwhile, the government stressed the importance of the non-public sector to China’s national economy. The government encouraged profitability in essential factors of production, capital and technology which further progress economic reforms.

According to the reformed plan, PR China is forecast to have a relatively complete socialist market economy in place by 2010 and it should be matured by 2020. The author has observed that things are falling in place as was planned.

What we must understand here is that with an implementation of an ideology of innovative society, the guiding idea of persistence in scientific development, and an overall goal of constructing a strong wealthy and civilized modern internationalized country promoting independent creativeness and competitiveness rapidly transformed China after the reform.

While all major countries implemented economic stimulus packages during the financial crisis, the economic difficulties of most developing countries cannot be underestimated. China’s government enacted important policies to stimulate its economy and though China’s foreign trade trend was reversed since November 2008, the national economy maintained a fast growth whilst its foreign trade and economic cooperation continued to be developed.

At a closer look, China’s financial year of 2008 saw exports to developed countries decreased while on the other hand exports to developing countries continued to grow fast. Evidently, Beijing now plays an active role in solidifying its bilateral relationships with developing countries.

A country with 32 provinces and diverse nationalities, it matched with PNG’s 800 plus tribes and way of life with both having one unified goal of achieving a better life for its citizen.
During the era of special economical zones, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in China was the pillar of the reform. However, with the implementation of an innovative society and persistent in scientific development and independent creativeness, China now ranks among the top ten largest FDI sources in the world.

This is a quick turnaround. Its goal of foreign investment policy has accordingly changed from one attracting FDI into one promoting Chinese investments in foreign countries. As a result, its outbound investment have upgraded from its early stage into a rapid development with an annual average growing rate of over 85 per cent.
In effectively achieving all these rapid developments of Overseas Direct Investments (ODI), China establishes Trade representative offices, Chinese investors establishing R&D centre, production facilities, taking up mergers & acquisitions, equity swapping, overseas listing and establishing strategic alliances.

Currently, China’s ODI has reached over 100 countries and PNG is no exception. Ramu Nico is a fine example. As PNG played host to Vice - Premier Mr. Li Keqiang early November; the same week saw the Chinese Premier Mr. Wen Jiabao in Egypt. This is the kind of commitment Beijing places on its bilateral relationship with its developing country partners.

PNG secured a deal to export liquefied natural gas to China by having China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) signing an Heads of Agreement (HoA).
Reported by Post Courier November 19, 2009, ANZ Chief Executive Officer Pacific Mr. Michael Rowland stated that PNG’s economy may “experience positive impacts from growing trade links with China”.

The report also stated the fact that PNG has accounted for two thirds of China’s import from the Pacific. This was no coincidence when China’s Vice-Premier and his government and business delegates visited our part of the world.

If Li’s visit was on the request of PNG government then certainly we have gained their confidence. We cannot wait for opportunities to arise for us to take advantage of. We have to create the opportunities ourselves.

We can commend the government for that. Let’s take our foreign relations approach as business ventures by creating a market base for our resources. Let’s establish sustainable economical strategies to lay the foundation for an innovative society. 34 years is more than old enough.

China’s role in the global economy will shift from “Manufacturer” to “Capital Exporter”. Upon my official visits to major Chinese manufacturing giants, discovered their willingness to invest in the Pacific market. PNG stands the chance to be the gateway and should grasp the opportunity because China is growing very fast.

Now finally we have a National Strategic Plan for this young country 34 years after the Independence. The journey shares a vision of a “smart, wise, vibrant and a happy society by 2050”. It is refreshing to hear the Prime Minister’s envisions for PNG in 40 years time to be prosperous. I, however, think the vision is vague and not measurable because being “smart and wise” by 2050 is too late.

PNG have to be smart in its approach to economy and wise in its policy decisions now. The vision should be in the line of investing in innovations and technical creativity so we will reap the “fair and prosperous society by 2050”.

This approach is measurable. I observed that the development of PNG is based on Resource Base Development and Dependent Development. Let us now develop this mentality that by promoting an independent innovation and building and innovation-oriented country will boost the Resource Base Development and Dependent Development to achieve a prosperous society by 2050.

See, a socialist structure of a market economy and an innovative society by 2020 was China’s vision when it opens up its doors to the world and reform its economy. Now what do the world think about China?

As the US President Barrack Obama sought to bolster relations on his first visit to Beijing, a recent poll back home conducted by CNN saw more than 70 per cent of those questioned considered China as an economic threat. Two thirds of those surveyed indicated that China was the source of unfair competition.

Lest not forget: China is a developing country. PNG is a developing country. Is there a lesson or two for us to learn from all these?

Note: *The writer is a Standards officer with the National Bureau of Standards in developing and facilitating Standards for trade. This article is his own personal opinion sharing with the Nation after more then one month touring China visiting four cities and major Chinese cooperation and municipal government officials. For comments on his article, contact him on bzairo@gmail.com or SMS 72705493.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** Yes, I am sure we can learn a lot from China. However, China's present in Papua New Guinea in terms of investments and businesses is a concern to the grassroots people of Papua New Guinea. So far reports have surfaced that Chinese companies are not treating the local workers fairly and this is a great concern to us.

The Ramu Nickel project is a classic example of what has already happened to some of our people when the government of Papua New Guinea blindly signs deals without even considering the well being of it's citizens.

Parties who sign deals should makesure that there is a level playing field for all players. For a government to sign deals without giving a second thought of it's implications is totally absurd for a corrupt government regime!

CHINA AN INNOVATIVE SOCIETY – A LESSON TO LEARN

By Benzamin Zairo*

“Richard Nisbelt, a psychologist at the University of Michigan once said, “If people are literally looking at the world differently, we think it would be natural for them to explain the world in different ways.”

The same can be said of the emerging China. There is much to learn and experience from China, a country since 1949, exploded into the world scene and set the pace for developing economies.

Papua New Guinea can see a leap in its step forward, whether be it utilizing its natural resources, population, financial resources, innovation and technologies; whatever it is, a clear economical development of a developing country like China is the basis of our drive to economical advancement.

From the inception of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in October 1 1949, the new party leading the government aimed for socialism. The process rapidly rehabilitated the country’s economy and it underwent economic construction that accomplished the socialist transformation of the private ownership of the means of production in most of the country.

The government introduced and practiced a planned economy system, whereby industrial production, agricultural production, and the stocking and selling of goods in commercial department were all controlled by the state plan.

The variety, quantity and prices in every sphere of the economy were fixed by the state planners. However, although these guidelines and basic policies defined by the party in that historical period led to brilliant successes and contributed to the planned development of China’s economy, it reduced its vitality and limited its growth.

Then came the dawn of a new period of China’s economy featuring the reformation and opening-up of China to the world. The closed economy ended and the “Decision on Reform of the Economic Structure” in 1978 led to the establishment of a vigorous socialist structure that has a planned market economy based on public ownership.

The introduction of the system for managing science and technology successfully impacted the economical reform. Special economical zones were established in selected cities and China used the overseas funds and draw on advanced experience on technology and management from foreign countries to invest.

The extensive opening and fast economic development of those economical zones boosted the nationwide reform and an effective economic construction. That economic restructure was one of China’s crucial reform and opening-up policy because some ten years after the reform, a clear direction of the establishment of a socialist market economy was clear and China can see a clear transformation in its development.

The government set out the main principles of economic restructuring; encouraging the development of diversified economic elements whilst retaining the dominance of the public sector; creation of a modern enterprise system to meet requirements of a market economy; establishing a unified and open market system across China, linking domestic and international market, and promoting the optimization of resources. The reform encouraged certain lead groups or resource rich provinces to become rich first, enabling them to help others towards prosperity too.

Meanwhile, the government stressed the importance of the non-public sector to China’s national economy. The government encouraged profitability in essential factors of production, capital and technology which further progress economic reforms.

According to the reformed plan, PR China is forecast to have a relatively complete socialist market economy in place by 2010 and it should be matured by 2020. The author has observed that things are falling in place as was planned.

What we must understand here is that with an implementation of an ideology of innovative society, the guiding idea of persistence in scientific development, and an overall goal of constructing a strong wealthy and civilized modern internationalized country promoting independent creativeness and competitiveness rapidly transformed China after the reform.

While all major countries implemented economic stimulus packages during the financial crisis, the economic difficulties of most developing countries cannot be underestimated. China’s government enacted important policies to stimulate its economy and though China’s foreign trade trend was reversed since November 2008, the national economy maintained a fast growth whilst its foreign trade and economic cooperation continued to be developed.

At a closer look, China’s financial year of 2008 saw exports to developed countries decreased while on the other hand exports to developing countries continued to grow fast. Evidently, Beijing now plays an active role in solidifying its bilateral relationships with developing countries.

A country with 32 provinces and diverse nationalities, it matched with PNG’s 800 plus tribes and way of life with both having one unified goal of achieving a better life for its citizen.
During the era of special economical zones, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in China was the pillar of the reform. However, with the implementation of an innovative society and persistent in scientific development and independent creativeness, China now ranks among the top ten largest FDI sources in the world.

This is a quick turnaround. Its goal of foreign investment policy has accordingly changed from one attracting FDI into one promoting Chinese investments in foreign countries. As a result, its outbound investment have upgraded from its early stage into a rapid development with an annual average growing rate of over 85 per cent.
In effectively achieving all these rapid developments of Overseas Direct Investments (ODI), China establishes Trade representative offices, Chinese investors establishing R&D centre, production facilities, taking up mergers & acquisitions, equity swapping, overseas listing and establishing strategic alliances.

Currently, China’s ODI has reached over 100 countries and PNG is no exception. Ramu Nico is a fine example. As PNG played host to Vice - Premier Mr. Li Keqiang early November; the same week saw the Chinese Premier Mr. Wen Jiabao in Egypt. This is the kind of commitment Beijing places on its bilateral relationship with its developing country partners.

PNG secured a deal to export liquefied natural gas to China by having China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) signing an Heads of Agreement (HoA).
Reported by Post Courier November 19, 2009, ANZ Chief Executive Officer Pacific Mr. Michael Rowland stated that PNG’s economy may “experience positive impacts from growing trade links with China”.

The report also stated the fact that PNG has accounted for two thirds of China’s import from the Pacific. This was no coincidence when China’s Vice-Premier and his government and business delegates visited our part of the world.

If Li’s visit was on the request of PNG government then certainly we have gained their confidence. We cannot wait for opportunities to arise for us to take advantage of. We have to create the opportunities ourselves.

We can commend the government for that. Let’s take our foreign relations approach as business ventures by creating a market base for our resources. Let’s establish sustainable economical strategies to lay the foundation for an innovative society. 34 years is more than old enough.

China’s role in the global economy will shift from “Manufacturer” to “Capital Exporter”. Upon my official visits to major Chinese manufacturing giants, discovered their willingness to invest in the Pacific market. PNG stands the chance to be the gateway and should grasp the opportunity because China is growing very fast.

Now finally we have a National Strategic Plan for this young country 34 years after the Independence. The journey shares a vision of a “smart, wise, vibrant and a happy society by 2050”. It is refreshing to hear the Prime Minister’s envisions for PNG in 40 years time to be prosperous. I, however, think the vision is vague and not measurable because being “smart and wise” by 2050 is too late.

PNG have to be smart in its approach to economy and wise in its policy decisions now. The vision should be in the line of investing in innovations and technical creativity so we will reap the “fair and prosperous society by 2050”.

This approach is measurable. I observed that the development of PNG is based on Resource Base Development and Dependent Development. Let us now develop this mentality that by promoting an independent innovation and building and innovation-oriented country will boost the Resource Base Development and Dependent Development to achieve a prosperous society by 2050.

See, a socialist structure of a market economy and an innovative society by 2020 was China’s vision when it opens up its doors to the world and reform its economy. Now what do the world think about China?

As the US President Barrack Obama sought to bolster relations on his first visit to Beijing, a recent poll back home conducted by CNN saw more than 70 per cent of those questioned considered China as an economic threat. Two thirds of those surveyed indicated that China was the source of unfair competition.

Lest not forget: China is a developing country. PNG is a developing country. Is there a lesson or two for us to learn from all these?

Note: *The writer is a Standards officer with the National Bureau of Standards in developing and facilitating Standards for trade. This article is his own personal opinion sharing with the Nation after more then one month touring China visiting four cities and major Chinese cooperation and municipal government officials. For comments on his article, contact him on bzairo@gmail.com or SMS 72705493.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** Yes, I am sure we can learn a lot from China. However, China's present in Papua New Guinea in terms of investments and businesses is a concern to the grassroots people of Papua New Guinea. So far reports have surfaced that Chinese companies are not treating the local workers fairly and this is a great concern to us.

The Ramu Nickel project is a classic example of what has already happened to some of our people when the government of Papua New Guinea blindly signs deals without even considering the well being of it's citizens.

Parties who sign deals should makesure that there is a level playing field for all players. For a government to sign deals without giving a second thought of it's implications is totally absurd for a corrupt government regime!

CHINA AN INNOVATIVE SOCIETY – A LESSON TO LEARN

By Benzamin Zairo*

“Richard Nisbelt, a psychologist at the University of Michigan once said, “If people are literally looking at the world differently, we think it would be natural for them to explain the world in different ways.”

The same can be said of the emerging China. There is much to learn and experience from China, a country since 1949, exploded into the world scene and set the pace for developing economies.

Papua New Guinea can see a leap in its step forward, whether be it utilizing its natural resources, population, financial resources, innovation and technologies; whatever it is, a clear economical development of a developing country like China is the basis of our drive to economical advancement.

From the inception of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in October 1 1949, the new party leading the government aimed for socialism. The process rapidly rehabilitated the country’s economy and it underwent economic construction that accomplished the socialist transformation of the private ownership of the means of production in most of the country.

The government introduced and practiced a planned economy system, whereby industrial production, agricultural production, and the stocking and selling of goods in commercial department were all controlled by the state plan.

The variety, quantity and prices in every sphere of the economy were fixed by the state planners. However, although these guidelines and basic policies defined by the party in that historical period led to brilliant successes and contributed to the planned development of China’s economy, it reduced its vitality and limited its growth.

Then came the dawn of a new period of China’s economy featuring the reformation and opening-up of China to the world. The closed economy ended and the “Decision on Reform of the Economic Structure” in 1978 led to the establishment of a vigorous socialist structure that has a planned market economy based on public ownership.

The introduction of the system for managing science and technology successfully impacted the economical reform. Special economical zones were established in selected cities and China used the overseas funds and draw on advanced experience on technology and management from foreign countries to invest.

The extensive opening and fast economic development of those economical zones boosted the nationwide reform and an effective economic construction. That economic restructure was one of China’s crucial reform and opening-up policy because some ten years after the reform, a clear direction of the establishment of a socialist market economy was clear and China can see a clear transformation in its development.

The government set out the main principles of economic restructuring; encouraging the development of diversified economic elements whilst retaining the dominance of the public sector; creation of a modern enterprise system to meet requirements of a market economy; establishing a unified and open market system across China, linking domestic and international market, and promoting the optimization of resources. The reform encouraged certain lead groups or resource rich provinces to become rich first, enabling them to help others towards prosperity too.

Meanwhile, the government stressed the importance of the non-public sector to China’s national economy. The government encouraged profitability in essential factors of production, capital and technology which further progress economic reforms.

According to the reformed plan, PR China is forecast to have a relatively complete socialist market economy in place by 2010 and it should be matured by 2020. The author has observed that things are falling in place as was planned.

What we must understand here is that with an implementation of an ideology of innovative society, the guiding idea of persistence in scientific development, and an overall goal of constructing a strong wealthy and civilized modern internationalized country promoting independent creativeness and competitiveness rapidly transformed China after the reform.

While all major countries implemented economic stimulus packages during the financial crisis, the economic difficulties of most developing countries cannot be underestimated. China’s government enacted important policies to stimulate its economy and though China’s foreign trade trend was reversed since November 2008, the national economy maintained a fast growth whilst its foreign trade and economic cooperation continued to be developed.

At a closer look, China’s financial year of 2008 saw exports to developed countries decreased while on the other hand exports to developing countries continued to grow fast. Evidently, Beijing now plays an active role in solidifying its bilateral relationships with developing countries.

A country with 32 provinces and diverse nationalities, it matched with PNG’s 800 plus tribes and way of life with both having one unified goal of achieving a better life for its citizen.
During the era of special economical zones, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in China was the pillar of the reform. However, with the implementation of an innovative society and persistent in scientific development and independent creativeness, China now ranks among the top ten largest FDI sources in the world.

This is a quick turnaround. Its goal of foreign investment policy has accordingly changed from one attracting FDI into one promoting Chinese investments in foreign countries. As a result, its outbound investment have upgraded from its early stage into a rapid development with an annual average growing rate of over 85 per cent.
In effectively achieving all these rapid developments of Overseas Direct Investments (ODI), China establishes Trade representative offices, Chinese investors establishing R&D centre, production facilities, taking up mergers & acquisitions, equity swapping, overseas listing and establishing strategic alliances.

Currently, China’s ODI has reached over 100 countries and PNG is no exception. Ramu Nico is a fine example. As PNG played host to Vice - Premier Mr. Li Keqiang early November; the same week saw the Chinese Premier Mr. Wen Jiabao in Egypt. This is the kind of commitment Beijing places on its bilateral relationship with its developing country partners.

PNG secured a deal to export liquefied natural gas to China by having China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) signing an Heads of Agreement (HoA).
Reported by Post Courier November 19, 2009, ANZ Chief Executive Officer Pacific Mr. Michael Rowland stated that PNG’s economy may “experience positive impacts from growing trade links with China”.

The report also stated the fact that PNG has accounted for two thirds of China’s import from the Pacific. This was no coincidence when China’s Vice-Premier and his government and business delegates visited our part of the world.

If Li’s visit was on the request of PNG government then certainly we have gained their confidence. We cannot wait for opportunities to arise for us to take advantage of. We have to create the opportunities ourselves.

We can commend the government for that. Let’s take our foreign relations approach as business ventures by creating a market base for our resources. Let’s establish sustainable economical strategies to lay the foundation for an innovative society. 34 years is more than old enough.

China’s role in the global economy will shift from “Manufacturer” to “Capital Exporter”. Upon my official visits to major Chinese manufacturing giants, discovered their willingness to invest in the Pacific market. PNG stands the chance to be the gateway and should grasp the opportunity because China is growing very fast.

Now finally we have a National Strategic Plan for this young country 34 years after the Independence. The journey shares a vision of a “smart, wise, vibrant and a happy society by 2050”. It is refreshing to hear the Prime Minister’s envisions for PNG in 40 years time to be prosperous. I, however, think the vision is vague and not measurable because being “smart and wise” by 2050 is too late.

PNG have to be smart in its approach to economy and wise in its policy decisions now. The vision should be in the line of investing in innovations and technical creativity so we will reap the “fair and prosperous society by 2050”.

This approach is measurable. I observed that the development of PNG is based on Resource Base Development and Dependent Development. Let us now develop this mentality that by promoting an independent innovation and building and innovation-oriented country will boost the Resource Base Development and Dependent Development to achieve a prosperous society by 2050.

See, a socialist structure of a market economy and an innovative society by 2020 was China’s vision when it opens up its doors to the world and reform its economy. Now what do the world think about China?

As the US President Barrack Obama sought to bolster relations on his first visit to Beijing, a recent poll back home conducted by CNN saw more than 70 per cent of those questioned considered China as an economic threat. Two thirds of those surveyed indicated that China was the source of unfair competition.

Lest not forget: China is a developing country. PNG is a developing country. Is there a lesson or two for us to learn from all these?

Note: *The writer is a Standards officer with the National Bureau of Standards in developing and facilitating Standards for trade. This article is his own personal opinion sharing with the Nation after more then one month touring China visiting four cities and major Chinese cooperation and municipal government officials. For comments on his article, contact him on bzairo@gmail.com or SMS 72705493.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** Yes, I am sure we can learn a lot from China. However, China's present in Papua New Guinea in terms of investments and businesses is a concern to the grassroots people of Papua New Guinea. So far reports have surfaced that Chinese companies are not treating the local workers fairly and this is a great concern to us.

The Ramu Nickel project is a classic example of what has already happened to some of our people when the government of Papua New Guinea blindly signs deals without even considering the well being of it's citizens.

Parties who sign deals should makesure that there is a level playing field for all players. For a government to sign deals without giving a second thought of it's implications is totally absurd for a corrupt government regime!

WEST PAPUA - ARE WE COMPLICIT BY OUR SILENCE?

Indonesian claim to West Papua or Papua has no basis in history,in law or in morality. It is an absurd claim that has been allowed to continue at the expense of dignity and lives of thousands of Papuans who have been killed, subjected to violence, intimidation, forced into exile, and other abuses over these years since Indonesia invaded on the 26th of April 1962 and conducted the fake vote of integration on the 2nd of August 1969.

The world including Papua New Guinea continues to be a complicit to this crime or absurd status quo by remaining silent against the desire of Papuan people to be free from Indonesian rule, domination and suppression.

West Papua was never part of Dutch East Indies when that colony was created by Holland or Netherlands in the 1600s. Neither was West Papua part of the Islamic and Hindu empires that existed prior to the creation of Dutch East Indies. Prior to colonial rule, West Papuans were like Papua New Guineans were nations of thousands of tribes who lived separately until European colonial contact.

West Papua was eventually colonised in 1887, some 200 years after the creation of East Indies who eventually became independent in 1949 as Indonesia after a war of Independence. West Papua remained a colony of Holland and was progressing to peaceful independence when it was invaded by Indonesia on the 26th of April 1962, some 14 years after the Indonesian
independence.

Prior to Invasion, West Papua had set up a legislative assembly or parliament and had adopted all the symbols of an Independent State including a national flag and a code of arms; national anthem, name of the country and the people. The biggest political Party in West Papua at that time had announced its declaration that West Papua was to become an independent republic by 1970.

We all know about the complete farce of 2nd August 1969 when only 1025 people were allowed to vote under the barrel of a gun in the so-called Act of Free Choice. It is one of the most despicable acts ever committed on any human race or group in the world. It did not meet any of the legal condition for exercise of self-determination as required by law at that time or since.

Indonesian claim to West Papua therefore has no legal, political, historical or moral basis. Indonesia knows this and continues to live in denial and promote the facade that West Papuan freely chose integration. What an insult to humanity and to our collective consciousness! That the world today continues to accept this.

It is a sad indictment against the whole of humanity including ourselves as humans, neighbors, Melanesians and Christians. As I write this article on the 1st of December 2009, I am just receiving reports from the Internet that the police and military have arrested the following persons in the suburb of Polimak in Jayapura for celebrating the 45th anniversary of West Papuan declaration of independence that falls on the 1st of December: Markus Yenu, Peter Hiyowati, Mrs Bless, Ham Yesnan, Matilda Maniani, John Kendi, Augus Ayamiseba, Mr Sopater Ayomi, Mr Akwan, Mr Yeruri.

Seven other students were being held by police at Abepura for the same reason, namely Minggus Manday, Glenn Ramanday, Nando Genuni, Arius Kogoya, Artemas Kabret, Jack Badii, and Simon Pakage. In Sorong, 600 people who were peacefully marching to commemorate the day were dispersed by military police.

Reports remain sketchy as phone lines in West Papua were cut during the day. Such is the agony and retardation of the West Papuan people. Their collective psychology and humanity being subject to continuous abuse, violence and intimation by a regime that claims to be democratic.

But alas, how many Melanesians out there are bold enough to take the moral high ground to even whisper a protest? How many people must die or unjustly imprisoned like Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage before the Christians in Papua New Guinea could murmur a word of protest against the Indonesian Government. Can Papua New Guinea claim to be a Melanesian and christian country while fellow Melanesians, Christians and humans continued to be subject of such abuse? Are we really free when our brothers and sisters are not free?

We all want a normal relationship between Indonesia and its people but as long as West Papuans are denied their right to self-determination, any relationship between our two people and country today is only based on false pretense. No Papua New Guinean, true to its culture as his belief as a christian can ignore West Papua no matter how much gloss or spin the two states give to the current relationship.

Both countries are living in denial. The sooner we admit and address this concern, the better the relationship will be between the two countries. Indonesia will never be a normal state in our region and among family of nations unless it releases itself of this historical blunder and moral dilemma.

My colleagues and I, Members of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua refuse to live in denial and be cowed by the myth of Indonesian invisibility and military power. We choose to speak even when all else will not because my conscience will not allow me to remain quiet. We refuse to lose our humanity even if we are faced with the perceived military might of Indonesia.

Source: Weekly Opinion: Post Courier - As I see it with NCD Governor, Powes Parkop (above, left).

WEST PAPUA - ARE WE COMPLICIT BY OUR SILENCE?

Indonesian claim to West Papua or Papua has no basis in history,in law or in morality. It is an absurd claim that has been allowed to continue at the expense of dignity and lives of thousands of Papuans who have been killed, subjected to violence, intimidation, forced into exile, and other abuses over these years since Indonesia invaded on the 26th of April 1962 and conducted the fake vote of integration on the 2nd of August 1969.

The world including Papua New Guinea continues to be a complicit to this crime or absurd status quo by remaining silent against the desire of Papuan people to be free from Indonesian rule, domination and suppression.

West Papua was never part of Dutch East Indies when that colony was created by Holland or Netherlands in the 1600s. Neither was West Papua part of the Islamic and Hindu empires that existed prior to the creation of Dutch East Indies. Prior to colonial rule, West Papuans were like Papua New Guineans were nations of thousands of tribes who lived separately until European colonial contact.

West Papua was eventually colonised in 1887, some 200 years after the creation of East Indies who eventually became independent in 1949 as Indonesia after a war of Independence. West Papua remained a colony of Holland and was progressing to peaceful independence when it was invaded by Indonesia on the 26th of April 1962, some 14 years after the Indonesian
independence.

Prior to Invasion, West Papua had set up a legislative assembly or parliament and had adopted all the symbols of an Independent State including a national flag and a code of arms; national anthem, name of the country and the people. The biggest political Party in West Papua at that time had announced its declaration that West Papua was to become an independent republic by 1970.

We all know about the complete farce of 2nd August 1969 when only 1025 people were allowed to vote under the barrel of a gun in the so-called Act of Free Choice. It is one of the most despicable acts ever committed on any human race or group in the world. It did not meet any of the legal condition for exercise of self-determination as required by law at that time or since.

Indonesian claim to West Papua therefore has no legal, political, historical or moral basis. Indonesia knows this and continues to live in denial and promote the facade that West Papuan freely chose integration. What an insult to humanity and to our collective consciousness! That the world today continues to accept this.

It is a sad indictment against the whole of humanity including ourselves as humans, neighbors, Melanesians and Christians. As I write this article on the 1st of December 2009, I am just receiving reports from the Internet that the police and military have arrested the following persons in the suburb of Polimak in Jayapura for celebrating the 45th anniversary of West Papuan declaration of independence that falls on the 1st of December: Markus Yenu, Peter Hiyowati, Mrs Bless, Ham Yesnan, Matilda Maniani, John Kendi, Augus Ayamiseba, Mr Sopater Ayomi, Mr Akwan, Mr Yeruri.

Seven other students were being held by police at Abepura for the same reason, namely Minggus Manday, Glenn Ramanday, Nando Genuni, Arius Kogoya, Artemas Kabret, Jack Badii, and Simon Pakage. In Sorong, 600 people who were peacefully marching to commemorate the day were dispersed by military police.

Reports remain sketchy as phone lines in West Papua were cut during the day. Such is the agony and retardation of the West Papuan people. Their collective psychology and humanity being subject to continuous abuse, violence and intimation by a regime that claims to be democratic.

But alas, how many Melanesians out there are bold enough to take the moral high ground to even whisper a protest? How many people must die or unjustly imprisoned like Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage before the Christians in Papua New Guinea could murmur a word of protest against the Indonesian Government. Can Papua New Guinea claim to be a Melanesian and christian country while fellow Melanesians, Christians and humans continued to be subject of such abuse? Are we really free when our brothers and sisters are not free?

We all want a normal relationship between Indonesia and its people but as long as West Papuans are denied their right to self-determination, any relationship between our two people and country today is only based on false pretense. No Papua New Guinean, true to its culture as his belief as a christian can ignore West Papua no matter how much gloss or spin the two states give to the current relationship.

Both countries are living in denial. The sooner we admit and address this concern, the better the relationship will be between the two countries. Indonesia will never be a normal state in our region and among family of nations unless it releases itself of this historical blunder and moral dilemma.

My colleagues and I, Members of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua refuse to live in denial and be cowed by the myth of Indonesian invisibility and military power. We choose to speak even when all else will not because my conscience will not allow me to remain quiet. We refuse to lose our humanity even if we are faced with the perceived military might of Indonesia.

Source: Weekly Opinion: Post Courier - As I see it with NCD Governor, Powes Parkop (above, left).

WEST PAPUA - ARE WE COMPLICIT BY OUR SILENCE?

Indonesian claim to West Papua or Papua has no basis in history,in law or in morality. It is an absurd claim that has been allowed to continue at the expense of dignity and lives of thousands of Papuans who have been killed, subjected to violence, intimidation, forced into exile, and other abuses over these years since Indonesia invaded on the 26th of April 1962 and conducted the fake vote of integration on the 2nd of August 1969.

The world including Papua New Guinea continues to be a complicit to this crime or absurd status quo by remaining silent against the desire of Papuan people to be free from Indonesian rule, domination and suppression.

West Papua was never part of Dutch East Indies when that colony was created by Holland or Netherlands in the 1600s. Neither was West Papua part of the Islamic and Hindu empires that existed prior to the creation of Dutch East Indies. Prior to colonial rule, West Papuans were like Papua New Guineans were nations of thousands of tribes who lived separately until European colonial contact.

West Papua was eventually colonised in 1887, some 200 years after the creation of East Indies who eventually became independent in 1949 as Indonesia after a war of Independence. West Papua remained a colony of Holland and was progressing to peaceful independence when it was invaded by Indonesia on the 26th of April 1962, some 14 years after the Indonesian
independence.

Prior to Invasion, West Papua had set up a legislative assembly or parliament and had adopted all the symbols of an Independent State including a national flag and a code of arms; national anthem, name of the country and the people. The biggest political Party in West Papua at that time had announced its declaration that West Papua was to become an independent republic by 1970.

We all know about the complete farce of 2nd August 1969 when only 1025 people were allowed to vote under the barrel of a gun in the so-called Act of Free Choice. It is one of the most despicable acts ever committed on any human race or group in the world. It did not meet any of the legal condition for exercise of self-determination as required by law at that time or since.

Indonesian claim to West Papua therefore has no legal, political, historical or moral basis. Indonesia knows this and continues to live in denial and promote the facade that West Papuan freely chose integration. What an insult to humanity and to our collective consciousness! That the world today continues to accept this.

It is a sad indictment against the whole of humanity including ourselves as humans, neighbors, Melanesians and Christians. As I write this article on the 1st of December 2009, I am just receiving reports from the Internet that the police and military have arrested the following persons in the suburb of Polimak in Jayapura for celebrating the 45th anniversary of West Papuan declaration of independence that falls on the 1st of December: Markus Yenu, Peter Hiyowati, Mrs Bless, Ham Yesnan, Matilda Maniani, John Kendi, Augus Ayamiseba, Mr Sopater Ayomi, Mr Akwan, Mr Yeruri.

Seven other students were being held by police at Abepura for the same reason, namely Minggus Manday, Glenn Ramanday, Nando Genuni, Arius Kogoya, Artemas Kabret, Jack Badii, and Simon Pakage. In Sorong, 600 people who were peacefully marching to commemorate the day were dispersed by military police.

Reports remain sketchy as phone lines in West Papua were cut during the day. Such is the agony and retardation of the West Papuan people. Their collective psychology and humanity being subject to continuous abuse, violence and intimation by a regime that claims to be democratic.

But alas, how many Melanesians out there are bold enough to take the moral high ground to even whisper a protest? How many people must die or unjustly imprisoned like Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage before the Christians in Papua New Guinea could murmur a word of protest against the Indonesian Government. Can Papua New Guinea claim to be a Melanesian and christian country while fellow Melanesians, Christians and humans continued to be subject of such abuse? Are we really free when our brothers and sisters are not free?

We all want a normal relationship between Indonesia and its people but as long as West Papuans are denied their right to self-determination, any relationship between our two people and country today is only based on false pretense. No Papua New Guinean, true to its culture as his belief as a christian can ignore West Papua no matter how much gloss or spin the two states give to the current relationship.

Both countries are living in denial. The sooner we admit and address this concern, the better the relationship will be between the two countries. Indonesia will never be a normal state in our region and among family of nations unless it releases itself of this historical blunder and moral dilemma.

My colleagues and I, Members of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua refuse to live in denial and be cowed by the myth of Indonesian invisibility and military power. We choose to speak even when all else will not because my conscience will not allow me to remain quiet. We refuse to lose our humanity even if we are faced with the perceived military might of Indonesia.

Source: Weekly Opinion: Post Courier - As I see it with NCD Governor, Powes Parkop (above, left).