Who is Sem Karoba?

Sem Karoba is a native highlander from West Papua. Supported by his people, he travels the world informing us of the faulty link between our society and culture and places like West Papua.

Some see his message as 'radical' and don't like it, including the Indonesian government who have put a price on his life. Sem speaks for peace, ecological communion and cultural rights for all people and all beings. He speaks for freedom: freedom from corporations, capitalism, the World Bank and imposed ways and cultures. Sem is an advocate of non-violent radical change and he is also a fine folk musician and storyteller.

"...both my beloved uncles were murdered by the Indonesian army. I know that I am on a death roll. I will die on the hands of the Indonesian government, police and army. I want to tell you about my background, my beliefs, my views on West Papua politics and other information that I want to tell the world before something bad happens to me"

An Invitation from Sem

Welcome! I would like to express my special thanks and deep appreciation to my Irish brothers and sisters helping towards this very important event in West Papua history of the struggle against colonialism and imperialism of any kinds.

The purpose of this festival is to introduce West Papua and its cause to the world. I have closely monitoring and praying for similar events around the globe. At the international arena, there have been three Solidarity Conferences held so far. Then on 28 February 2003, friends and supporters in Australia are organise a Concert by the name of Morning Star Concert, which I believe is bringing so many people.

This is another event to happen in Europe. And there will be more and more festivals and concerts to be held around the word in years to come, until West Papua is free and independent.

Many people have told me, "Well, actually you are going to create a new state, with just the same president, ministers, army, police, law and order, and politicians anyway. The only difference is replacing those Indonesians with Papuans. So, you better off speaking for equality, better life, peace and justice in West Papua, rather than independence".

My answer has been this: "Let us go to Irish people and ask, 'Do you think it is worth to have your own president, ministers, army, police, law and order and politicians?' because they surely know what 'independence' means for a people."

Now I have come to Ireland and met Irish people, and the answer is exactly what I expected: "They know what independence means for a people"

They have done a lot for their country, for Apartheid, for East Timor and for West Papua. This movement is not going to be stopped by anyone. Except there is a clear statement by Indonesia regarding the history of West Papua occupation since 1963.

On behalf of my elders, I would like to ask for:

Your contribution to make this event happen
Your support for our campaigns

Your support to organise talks, concerts, and gigs so that myself and other Papuan colleagues of mine can come and do our best to educate the world about the cause.

Please also read some articles I wrote when I am in Ireland that explain some of the issues I briefly mentioning here.

I welcome you all, to come to the Tribal Freedom Festival, NUI Maynooth, Republic of Ireland on 21-22 March 2003.

Go raibh maith agat, agus slán

Sem

Sem Karoba
Koteka Tribal Assembly
[email protected]
www.semkaroba.com