Resisting Tambrauw Military Base in West Papua

Today on the show we speak with Yohanis Mambrasar, lawyer and resident of Tambrauw, West Papua about the community campaign against the construction of a new military base, the 1810 Tambrauw Kodim, along with several smaller military posts that the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and the Government of Indonesia are planning to build without consultation or consent from the Indigenous landowners.The TNI has already mobilized hundreds of troops to Tambrauw and this incresed military presence is suspected to be connected with recent mineral explorations in the area.Determined to avoid the conflict and violence that occur when militarism and extractivism join forces, a grassroots movement of indigenous peoples, women’s groups, students and youth has risen up to oppose this militarization.Yohanis Mambrasar was appointed as legal counsel by the people of Tambrauw when they began protesting and he joins us on the show with the support of Zelda Grimshaw from Make West Papua Safe who translates for us.For more information on how to support the campaign go to the Make West Papua Safe.World Beyond War has a letter writing campaign and are fundraising for a Tambrauw Indigenous Community Conference.