BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The issue of West Papua is a standing agenda matter as part of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders meeting outcome in Honiara held from September 8 – 12, 2025.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, PIF Chair responded to a question raised by Stefan Armbruster from Torres Strait Island Media Association, CIMA Forum W and Torres News regarding the matter.
The PIF Troika consist of the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The Troika serves as a strategic leadership body to ensure continuity and cohesion in Forum priorities and actions.
The Troika mechanism is also designed to ensure continuity and stronger Pacific advocacy on the global stage, as well as a smooth transition between Forum Chairs.
Speaking at the 54th PIF Troika Conference in Honiara, Stefan Armbruster raised the question about one of the two standing agenda items, referring to the nuclear issue and West Papua.
He said that there’s no reference in the PM’s opening address or remarks about West Papua, and what discussion was there about West Papua.
Mr Armbruster asked if this gives an avenue for West Papua to seek reserved status with the Pacific Islands Forum?
“Thank you, PM Manele responded. In terms of West Papua, yes, it’s a standing agenda matter as part of the outcome. The leaders tasked the secretariat in terms of working with the United Nations human commission and follow-up on the previous decision on that,” said PM Manele.
According to PM, in relation to whether West Papua will become an observer at this stage, he said that the 54TH partnership policy has been adopted.
“But the details troika will be working on the details going forward,” said PM Manele.
At this year’s 54th PIF forum communiqué, Leaders reaffirmed the Forum’s ongoing recognition of Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua (Papua).
PIF Leaders recalled Indonesia’s 2018 invitation for a mission led by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
According to the communiqué, Leaders tasked the Secretariat to work constructively with Indonesia on a proposed visit by Forum Leaders Envoys in 2026, in consultation with the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat.
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