"Vanuatu is not entirely free until Melanesia is free from colonial rule, until the Pacific is free from colonial rule"
- Father Walter Hadye Lini -
Introduction
After the successful first Walk against Impunity from Dili to Balibo in Timor-Leste (2015), initiator Dutch activist Francis Janssen felt encouraged to keep walking and raise awareness about the struggle for freedom in Maluku and West Papua.
The first Walk against Impunity was a tribute to the people of Timor-Leste who persisted in the struggle for freedom. In 2015, the Walk coincided with the 40th sad anniversary of the death of five Australia-based journalists in Balibo-village, murdered by Indonesian military in the wake of the Indonesian invasion.
This second Walk against Impunity was inspired by legendary words of the late Father Walter Hadye Lini: "Vanuatu is not free until Melanesia is free from colonial rule, until the Pacific is free from colonial rule".
Why Walk against Impunity?
Atrocities that occurred in Timor-Leste during the Indonesian
occupation are continuing in West Papua and Maluku today.
No freedom of press, no freedom of expression, no freedom. While the
people still deal with occupation, oppression and violence, impunity is a green light for perpetrators to continue and repeat, over and over again.
The continual existence of indigenous Maluku and West Papua is endangered, as Indonesia is selling off the exploitative rights of entire islands and large areas to multinationals for logging, industrial plantations and mining. Deforestation, expropriation and polution overpower unique cultures and community life in West Papua and Maluku, while profits of their rich lands flow out rappidly through Jakarta-based channels.
Amnesty International reports stated that in April-September 2016 over 2,200 West Papuan activists have been arrested after participating in peaceful demonstrations.
In 2007-2008, in Maluku, 72 activists were arrested for peaceful activities. Among them were the 23 Cakalele dancers, who have been sentenced to between 7 and 20 years imprisonment for unfurling the Benang Raja (prohibited RMS-flag, the symbol for the ongoing struggle for self-determination) during a welcome ceremony involving the Indonesian President. They have all been subjected to torture, denial of appeal, and inadequate medical treatment. Johan Teterissa was finally allowed hospital care in January 2016. RMS leader Simon Saya died in February 2016, after repeated denial of hospital care for his kidneys.
Those who rise to lead, or publicly speak about the aspirations of their people, risk their lives. However, despite all oppression and repercussions, the protests and flag-raising continue. That is why we walked in Vanuatu, to share their stories with you.
Father Walter Hadye Lini was an Anglican priest and a politician.
When Vanuatu's independence was proclaimed in 1980, Father Lini became Prime Minister. He was the primary advocate of Melanesian socialism.
Vanuatu supported the Kanaky independence movement in New Caledonia. It also was the only country in the region to support Timor-Leste's struggle for freedom and self-determination.
Father Walter Hadye Lini passed away on 21 February 1999. This date is marked in Vanuatu as a public holiday in his honor.
The celebrations include memorial church services and wreath laying ceremonies at his grave
May this Walk against Impunity inspire many young Ni-Vanuatu, international activists, and all who care about freedom, self-determination and human dignity.
