When it comes to the question of Can journalists travel to West Papua, the answer is that generally it is very dangerous to travel to West Papua for journalistic purposes, particularly if you are covering the West Papuan independence movement.
To read about journalist travel to Timor-Leste click here.
The political situation in West Papua
Originally a Dutch colony it was retained when the rest of Indonesia gained independence with the plan being to either create a republic of West Papua, or to unify the country with Papua New Guinea.
To read why Papua New Guinea is such a mess click here.
Cold War games meant that it was taken over by Indonesia in 1969 and there has since been an insurgency which has gone up and down to varying degrees.
During this period estimates of the number of West Papuans who have been killed has gone into the hundreds of thousands, which has included local journalists.
What is the press freedom level in West Papua?
Extremely bad, with those reporting on the independence movement facing deportation, or worse. Arrests have been known to happen, not to mention foreigners being taken hostage by the independence fighters.
Many areas are also closed to the public, which includes journalists and there are allegedly at least a number of police informants among the general population.
Guerrilla journalism in West Papua
It is possible to come into West Papua on a tor or as independent traveler and do some limited journalism. Some people will open up and speak to you, but only to a certain degree.
Journalists wishing to cover less sensitive issues, such as the rites of West Papua can generally do so unmolested, but those bringing in high-end equipment will need the correct permissions.
What can YPDR arrange in West Papua?
We can arrange meetings with independence leaders outside of the country, as well as general travel within West Papua.
Generally speaking we can arrange some meetings with people, but as a rule stick to covering tribal matters, rather than intense issues related to the struggle for West Papuan independence.
