In this paper, FDI Research Analyst Jarryd de Haan assesses the prospects for any moves towards independence in the two Papuan provinces, noting that the issue is likely to reignite as Indonesia renews its autonomy laws for the region. Even as Bougainville makes progress in its push for independence, the prospects for West Papua’s independence movement are bleak. Indonesia simply has too much at stake in the region and does not face enough external pressure to hold an independence referendum.
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