West Papuan Freedom Flotilla sets off
Reports that the Indonesian military has been ordered to be prepared to intercept the Freedom Flotilla heading from Australia to West Papua has not deterred the activists on board. The Flotilla, consisting of about three boats and roughly 20 people, has set sail from Cairns; will make its way up the north coast of Queensland and then head off into Indonesian waters over the next two weeks.
The Flotilla’s aim is to raise awareness of the ongoing allegations of human rights abuses in West Papua by the Indonesian authorities. On board are West Papuan asylum seekers and political figures, Australian activists as well as media and film crews. Â Australian Aboriginal elders are also on board hoping to raise awareness of the shared plight of the indigenous peoples of the both countries.