Young Papuans Find Their Voice in Song

Lisa Siregar | May 17, 2011 Jakarta Globe

When the Wakhu Bhim choir performed at Pacific Place mall in Jakarta earlier this month as part of Festival Papua 2011, crowds of shoppers stopped by to listen.

Wearing grass skirts, known as sali, headdresses and body paint, the 20 singers from West Papua performed the anirei, a traditional Sentani harvest dance, as well as several spiritual numbers, including “Rock My Soul” and “Elijah Rock.”

The Role of the UN Secretary-General's Representative in Resolving the Dispute over West Papua (Part 2)

The chosen policy was widespread intimidation, threats and terror. The difficult economic situation was a fertile ground for propaganda, indoctrination and agitation. Despite provocations, the authorities pursued a policy of restraint and moderation in combating insurrection and armed confrontation and adopted a policy of clemency and leniency Accordingly, scores of political detainees were released in order to create an atmosphere conducive for the exercise of the act of free choice. The same lenient policy was also evident towards the question of the return of exiles who could then participate in this exercise. In sum, contrary to the assertions of the UN Representative, the rights and freedoms of West Papuas were upheld, there was freedom of speech, and political and other organizations were allowed to function in accordance with the laws of the country