A Controversial Visit: President Biden's Journey to Papua New Guinea

28-5-2023

Lone de Chene

SOUTH EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence.

As President Joe Biden of the United States is expected to visit Papua New Guinea briefly before heading to Sydney, Papuans are eager to understand his intentions. The visit sparks both hope and criticism. 

Papua New Guinea is a country that struggles with various Human Rights issues, including poverty, tribal conflicts and oppression under Indonesia. Papuans worry that Biden is visiting their country for the sake of his own benefit, rather than helping them with this difficult situation.

It is also painful to realise that the United States does not recognise West Papua as its own state. Even though they have been living under Indonesian oppression. Vincent Manukayasi, an activist with the civil society group PNG Trust, even calls the actions of the Indonesian government a “genocidal attempt by Jakarta to remove the Melanesian race,” referring to the frequent reports of human rights abuses. He believes this issue should be addressed during Biden's visit.

While the visit alone may not bring an immediate resolution to the complex challenges faced by Papua New Guinea, it has the potential to spark conversations, amplify voices, and encourage international support for the Papuan cause. Papuans will be watching closely, hoping that President Biden's visit will give them hope. 

Sources and further readings:

Joku, H. (2023, 16 mei). Biden’s planned visit to Papua New Guinea fuels hope and criticism. Radio Free Asia. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/pacific/biden-png-visit-05162023031229.html