02 Dec 2011
00:04:15 
2MBPapuan activists take part in a rally in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking the 50th anniversary of failed efforts to declare independence. (aap)
West Papuan independence rallies pass relatively peacefully.
The relatively peaceful passing of West Papuan independence rallies in Indonesia yesterday (1 Dec) are being hailed as a breakthrough for the movement.
The Morning Star flag was illegally raised across two provinces just north of Australia, and while there was gunfire, fears of another brutal crackdown were not realised.
West Papuans have been seeking independence since Indonesia invaded in 1962, after the end of 130 years of Dutch colonial rule.
Queensland correspondent Stefan Armbruster spoke with Jason McLeod from the University of Queensland, whose speciality is the West Papuan non-violent movement.
West Papua Media Alerts 
Indonesia should leave west papua along. This is the time to choice they’r future for self-determination for become inde
My dear brother,
so good to hear from you. I was just looking at a photo of us together from 2006 last night – serendipity. I hope we are doing you proud in trying to bring West papua’s voice to the world. I hope to see all you guys really soon too.
with love for my awesome brothers and sisters, not forgotten in PNG; and with deepest solidarity.
Nick Chesterfield
Editor
West Papua Media
ps – Nix, please use this site for comments and also to let us hear your voice. Some good punchy articles from you guys about your situation would be awesome, and we will get them out.