Free Papua Movement

The Free Papua Movement or Free Papua Organization (Indonesian: Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM) is an independence movement based on Western New Guinea, seeking liberation of the territory from colonial Indonesian administration. The territory is currently divided into six Indonesian provinces of Central Papua, Highland Papua, Papua, South Papua, Southwest Papua, and West Papua, also formerly known as Papua, Irian Jaya and West Irian.

Free Papua Movement
Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM
LeadersJacob Hendrik Prai (until 2022)
Dates of operation1 December 1963 – present
Active regionsCentral Papua, Highland Papua, Papua, South Papua, Southwest Papua, and West Papua
IdeologyPapuan nationalism
Revolutionary nationalism
Separation from Indonesia
Anti-colonialism
Anti-imperialism
Anti-capitalism
Allies Libya (until 2011) Marshall Islands
 Nauru
 Palau
 Samoa
 Solomon Islands
 Tonga
 Vanuatu
Opponents Indonesia
 Fiji
Battles and warsPapua conflict
Designated as a terrorist group by Indonesia

The movement consists of three elements: a disparate group of armed units each with limited territorial control with no single commander; several groups in the territory that conduct demonstrations and protests; and a small group of leaders based abroad that raise awareness of issues in the territory whilst striving for international support for independence.

Since its inception, the OPM has attempted diplomatic dialogue, conducted Morning Star flag-raising ceremonies, and undertaken militant actions as part of the Papua conflict. Supporters routinely display the Morning Star flag and other symbols of Papuan unity, such as the national anthem "Hai Tanahku Papua" and a national coat of arms, which had been adopted in the period 1961 until Indonesian administration began in May 1963 under the New York Agreement. Beginning in 2021, the movement is considered as a separatist terrorist organisation (Indonesian: Kelompok Teroris dan Separatis) in Indonesia, and its activities have incurred charges of treason and terrorism. On 10 April 2024, however, the designation was reverted back to OPM by the Indonesian Armed Forces.

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