Koteka: Advocating for the liberation of Western Papua

Born in a refugee camp, far from the lush rainforests and rugged highlands of her ancestral homeland, Koteka Lali Kurugan Wenda’s life has been a journey been shaped by displacement and resilience. Her family sought political asylum in the UK in 2003 due to her father's leading role in the West Papua liberation movement as the elected chief of the Koteka Tribal Assembly, a struggle that has spanned decades against Indonesian occupation. Today, Koteka, the daughter of four tribes (the Lani, Hubula, Walak and Yali) stands as a powerful voice for her people, advocating for self-determination and a reconnection with the land that has been central to West Papuan identity for generations.

West Papua, the western half of the island of New Guinea, is home to the third-largest rainforest in the world, after the Amazon and Congo Basin. This rainforest plays a critical role in the global fight against climate change, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and maintaining ecological balance. Rich in biodiversity, it is home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Unfortunately, West Papua has been the centre of conflict since it was occupied by Indonesia in the 1960s. The occupation has brought widespread human rights abuses, destruction of culture, and environmental exploitation. Its rich natural resources, including minerals, gas, and rainforests, have attracted industries that harm the environment and the indigenous communities who depend on it.

Growing up far from our land, detached from our ancestral roots, has created a disconnection with nature.

"Growing up far from our land, detached from our ancestral roots, has created a disconnection with nature," Koteka reflects. In West Papuan culture, the land is more than a resource, it's a sacred connection to ancestry, spirituality, and community. The Indonesian occupation and the resulting displacement have disrupted this bond. 

Industrial deforestation, mining, and palm oil plantations have decimated large parts of the rainforest, impacting local ecosystems and indigenous practices. With the third-largest rainforest under threat, not just West Papuans but the world at large stand to lose an invaluable environmental treasure.

In response to this, Koteka’s father, Benny Wenda, has contributed to a Green Manifesto referred to as the “Green State Vision”, a plan to preserve West Papua’s natural resources and  take decisive action to address the climate emergency. Koteka is a passionate advocate for this vision, working tirelessly to ensure that the rainforest and its people thrive for generations to come.

Koteka is just one example of women’s collaboration and leadership in western papuan culture and their liberation movement. From farming to preserving traditional knowledge about plants and the environment, West Papuan women are at the heart of their communities. They pass down vital skills and practices that help protect biodiversity and maintain sustainable ways of living. 

West Papuan women are experts at sustainability in their stewarding of the land.

West Papuan women are also artists and craftswomen, creating beautiful work from natural materials, always with care and respect for the environment. "West Papuan women are experts at sustainability in their stewarding of land and their craftswork," acknowledges Koteka. "They are the ones who are trusted to feed the whole village."

Koteka emphasises the importance of amplifying the voices of West Papuan women and youth. She encourages young West Papuan women to "be bold, ask for the microphone, speak your truth, tell your story," she urges. "The first step is to realise the value in your story and the value in your voice."

Her message underscores that pushing back against oppression does not require formal education or titles. "You don't have to be an academic or a scientist or have a degree in freedom struggles. All you really need is your passion, the spirit, and you need to believe that this is your fight."

The West Papuan struggle for self-determination is deeply interconnected with global movements for indigenous rights, environmental justice, and human dignity. As the custodians of the world's third-largest rainforest, West Papuans play a vital role in the planet's ecological future.

Koteka reminds us that whatever corner of the world you are engaged in the fight for nature and liberation, all struggles are connected. "People around the world are waking up to issues surrounding genocide and human rights, surrounding oppressed peoples," says Koteka. "There is recognition that all our struggles are interconnected."

To honour the resilience of West Papuans like Koteka and safeguard one of the Earth's most critical ecosystems, global solidarity is essential. Advocacy, awareness, and action can shine a light on the injustices faced by West Papuans and support their calls for independence and environmental protection.

Koteka's story reminds us that every voice matters in the collective fight for justice, and the time to listen, learn, and act is now.