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West Papua is the most protracted conflict in the Asia - Pacific, yet it remains largely hidden, a secret story on the margins of our consciousness as American . West Papua is also scene of one of the most significant nonviolent struggles in the region. Despite this vast array of evidence of West Papuan commitment to freedom, against the backdrop of intense suffering and deprivation, the international community has been deaf to the call of the people for recognition of their struggle. Like other nations, West Papuans search for democracy, justice, freedom and equality, but West Papua continues to be haunted by what has been called a ‘memoria passionis’, or a collective ‘memory of suffering. The ongoing conflicts, however, inspire West Papuans to endeavor to solve their ‘memoria passionis’ through non-violence rooted in the ancient wisdom and profundity of their culture.
Herman Wainggai, a Visiting Scholar at George Mason University, a leader in West Papua's self determination struggle, and mentor of the non-violent students movement in West Papua has been living in exile in Australia. As a leader imprisoned for subversion in the provincial capital of Jayapura, West Papua, Indonesia, having previously spent long periods in jail for his activities and former political prisoner with experience of life both before and after assertions of state and corporate control into his peoples’ territories, will share the character, viability and qualities of life in a locally self-governing and sustainable culture, as well as his peoples’ nonviolent resistance to armed and violent oppression. Herman developed his non-violent approach to independence after questioning how the grace filled virtues of justice, peace, and love could influence his work as an activist, educator, organizer, leader and politician. He comes from a tradition of disciplined orators, craftsmen and musicians, and believes people's dignity and their culture, as well as God's laws and international secular laws are fundamental to the West Papuan self-determination project.