I am very sad to hear of the passing of the most outspoken and brave women in the history of our struggle, Pangkrasia Yeem.
As a ULMWP Executive Member and the head of our National Parliament in the Merauke regency, Yeem was an important figure in our Provisional Government and our political fight on the ground. Her belief in justice and her dedication to our cause was amazing. As Interim President, and on behalf of the Provisional Government, I send my condolences and solidarity to Yeem’s family.
She is the second leader that our movement has lost in the last month. Jacob Prai, one of the founders of the Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM), passed away in exile in Sweden on May 26th, after he spent his life advocating for West Papuan independence. It is difficult to accept that these two figures, who were both so important to our movement, will not live to see us reclaim our country. But we will honour their memory by continuing to fight for Merdeka, national liberation.
Yeem’s commitment to West Papuan freedom will live on in the new generations, and in the unity of our movement. I call on all our Members of Parliament, the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative wings of our Provisional Government, to stand together in our struggle for liberation, just as she did.
Benny Wenda
Interim President
ULMWP Provisional Government
