Papuaaround.com – The emergence of independence slogans for Papua, Maluku, and Aceh during a recent United Nations event has reignited global attention on Indonesia’s separatist issues. The slogans “Free Papua,” “Free Maluku,” and “Free Aceh” were prominently displayed by a group of traditionally dressed individuals at the opening of the 24th United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York.
The incident occurred inside the General Assembly Hall, where hundreds of indigenous representatives from around the world gathered to discuss the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The forum, which runs from April 21 to May 2, provides a space for dialogue between indigenous communities and UN member states.
Photos and videos circulating online show several individuals holding handwritten signs with the slogans. Security personnel from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) were later seen intervening and removing the banners. The group’s actions quickly sparked discussion on social media platforms.
In one widely shared video, a member of the group confronted UN officials, stating, “This is a UN forum. We have the right to be here. This is not the Indonesian Parliament. You can’t stop us.”
Indonesian authorities have since responded to the incident. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat confirmed the incident and described the participants’ actions as “irresponsible” and “sensationalist.”
“There was indeed an incident involving a group of individuals who misused the UNPFII forum a few days ago,” said Soemirat in a press briefing held in Jakarta on Thursday, April 24. “This is highly regrettable, especially because the forum is intended to foster constructive dialogue on indigenous empowerment within the framework of international cooperation and respect for national sovereignty.”
He emphasized that while the UN forum welcomes participation from civil society and non-governmental organizations, exploiting the platform for political agendas violates the event’s intended purpose.
“It’s unfortunate that some individuals chose to exploit their presence to promote interests that are completely misaligned with the objectives of the forum. These actions are not only inappropriate but also disrespectful to the international community,” Soemirat added.
Indonesia, a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation, has long grappled with separatist sentiments in several regions, particularly in Papua and, historically, in Aceh and Maluku. While Aceh was granted special autonomy following a peace deal in 2005, Papuan separatist movements continue to voice their concerns on international platforms, often drawing condemnation or concern from Jakarta.
Despite the controversy, the UNPFII continues as scheduled, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address indigenous rights, including access to education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. The forum remains one of the few global spaces where indigenous voices can share their perspectives directly with state representatives.
Indonesian officials have not disclosed whether they will formally address the slogans with the United Nations, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of maintaining the forum’s integrity.
“We expect all participants to act responsibly and uphold the values of mutual respect and diplomacy, especially in an international setting such as this,” said Soemirat.
As the session continues, the Indonesian delegation is expected to reaffirm the country’s commitment to indigenous rights while safeguarding national unity and sovereignty.