Last
week around 25 supporters of the Free West Papua Campaign gathered
outside an Oxford University building to protest against the visit of Dr
Boediono, the Vice President of Indonesia. The University had invited
Dr Boediono to give a talk on “the challenges of good governance.” The
demonstrators included West Papuans and East Timorese individuals who
live and work in Oxford and numerous members of the University.
As we stood outside the building holding placards and Morning Star
flags we gave leaflets to those attending the lecture and to passers-by.
These leaflets explained that, far from being an example of good
governance, Indonesia’s illegal occupations of West Papua denies West
Papuans their right to self-determination and has led to countless human
rights abuses. We encouraged those attending the lecture to question Dr
Boediono about these matters.
There were noticeable security measures surrounding the event, with
lecture attendees being asked to pre-register and show their University
ID and invitation on arrival. When we spoke with an event administrator
it was implied that Indonesian security may have screened the guest
list.
Dr Boediono managed to keep himself hidden behind his security cover
and entered the lecture venue through a back entrance rather than facing
the protest.
The demonstration prevented Dr Boediono’s visit from passing
unnoticed and raised the question of why a department of Oxford
University, the The Blavatnik School of Government, had invited him to
speak. We were also able to further raise awareness of the situation of
the West Papuan people and Indonesia’s responsibility for this.
We would like to thank all those who attended.
Sumber : www.freewestpapua.org
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