As COP30 unfolds in Belém, a collective of international parliamentarians has raised an urgent alarm regarding the environmental and humanitarian crises brewing in West Papua. The International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) shared a grave warning about the escalating rates of deforestation, rights violations, and ecological degradation in this strategically important region, emphasizing that immediate global intervention is necessary to avert further catastrophe.
In their poignant statement, the IPWP articulated deep concerns over the alarming loss of forest cover in West Papua, which serves as one of the planet’s critical carbon sinks. The parliamentarians recalled the controversial annexation of West Papua by Indonesia in 1969, characterized by intimidation and violence during what was termed “the Act of Free Choice.” They noted that the UK’s government once described the integration process as “utterly flawed,” highlighting the long-standing issues of human rights abuses faced by the West Papuan population.
Since 2011, a staggering 71% of West Papua’s forest has been lost, and this region encompasses more than half of the world’s third-largest rainforest. The parliamentarians stressed the need for protecting this unique environment, indicating that it is vital for preserving a habitable planet.
Central to the crisis is Indonesia’s National Strategic Project in Merauke, which spans over three million hectares and is designed to cultivate sugarcane and rice. This project is projected to escalate carbon emissions significantly, potentially releasing 782.45 million additional tonnes of CO2. The IPWP underscored that this initiative has moved forward without proper consultation with Indigenous West Papuans, violating principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
The connection between deforestation, mining activities, and rising violence in the region was also highlighted. Recent data estimated that nearly 103,000 West Papuans have been displaced as of October 2025, demonstrating the dire humanitarian situation. The visit of heavy industry to areas like the Wabu Block gold mine has amplified local tensions, which have been exacerbated by increased militarization linked to resource extraction initiatives, including recent tragic incidents where civilians lost their lives during military operations.
The IPWP emphasized that Indonesia’s practices in West Papua are inconsistent with global climate commitments. They called upon world leaders to endorse the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s Green State Vision, citing it as a vital framework for achieving both environmental sustainability and social justice in the region.
Prominent figures among the signatories of the statement included various lawmakers from the UK, Europe, and the Pacific, indicating broad international support for the cause.
The situation in West Papua reflects a complex interplay between environmental concerns and human rights, signifying an urgent call for global unity to address these challenges. The ongoing advocacy and solidarity shown by international parliamentarians and civil society groups provide a hopeful perspective for achieving a peaceful resolution and protecting the rights and land of the West Papuan people.