Get to know the West Papua National Committee (KNPB)

Find out more about the West Papua National Committee (KNPB)

The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) is a political group in the Indonesian province of Papua that was founded to support regional self-determination and the rights of the indigenous Papuan people.

 The group was established in 2008 and has participated in nonviolent protests and rallies to spread awareness of problems Papuans face, such as violations of their human rights and demands for independence.

The Indonesian government has accused the KNPB of engaging in separatist operations and instigating violence because of the organization's criticism of how the Papuan people are treated by the Indonesian government. As a result, KNPB members have been harassed and arrested by the government.

There are conflicting views on the function that groups like the KNPB should play in advancing the rights and interests of Papuans due to the complexity and political sensitivity of the situation there. However, the KNPB is still a strong voice in talks regarding the region's future and the rights of its citizens.