In this paper, Peter Arndt examines the issues faced by the indigenous people of West Papua and discusses their claim for freedom and independence.
Peter has visited West Papua on several occasions, has met and spoken with people working for freedom and justice, and has heard their accounts of oppression and brutality on the part of police and security forces there. He places the struggle of the West Papuans in the context of the message of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching. ‘That deep reflection on Gospel values and Church teaching is what makes this publication so inspiring. Peter places his friends’ experience in the context of the Scriptures and looks deeply into the Church’s teachings on justice and asks what he must do. He discerns the answer with clarity and courage.’ (Bishop Vincent Long, Chairman, ACSJC)
