We have lost an elder. He was a Freedom fighter. He was a member of the Papuan Volunteer Corp (PVK).

When the Dutch left West Papua in 1962 he chose to join the West Papuan resistance movement (OPM). He was one the few ones who lead the Papuan offensive to destroy the Indonesian military headquarter in Arfai in 1965.

He has been committed ever since to Free West Papua from the Indonesian colonialism. As a civilian he has been involved in recruitment of young Papuan freedom fighters for many years. In 1984 he decided to rejoin with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN).

When I was 8/9 years old, I saw him in Black Wara (Black Water) refugee camp. Can still remember the images, him and all the other military uncles sitting and talking and making plans. They called their group or detachment ‘SONEK’ (Sobat Nekad, the desparate ones, friends longing for freedom).

That is how I will remember him. Don’t worry we will finish what you have started. West Papua will be free.

Araaa……Marandan bebye.