South Moluccas has been a member of the UNPO since 1991. 

The people of South Moluccas have a distinct cultural heritage, characterized by a blend of indigenous traditions, Christianity, and historical ties to the Dutch colonial period, which have shaped their identity and aspirations. Their traditional customs, languages, and social structures reflect the rich diversity of the islands in the region.

The Indonesian government has historically marginalized the Moluccan people’s attempts to express their right to self-determination, often suppressing their political activities and cultural expression, as well as undermining their right to a safe and clean environment. 

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of the people of South Moluccas as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from South Moluccas. However, the main organization representing the rights of people of South Moluccas within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Republic of South Moluccas/the Republik Maluku Seletan (RMS). You can read more about the Republic of South Moluccas here.

The Republic of South Moluccas is home to a predominantly Melanesian population of approximately 2.1 million people, whose lives are deeply connected to the island environment. The region reflects a blend of tradition and modernity, from vibrant urban centers to the serene coastal villages that dot the archipelago. The Moluccan people are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional music, dance, and art, deeply influenced by the region’s history and the rhythms of island life.

The South Moluccas’ cultural narrative extends far beyond its shores. A significant diaspora, particularly in the Netherlands, maintains strong ties to their homeland. With an estimated 50,000 Moluccans living in the Netherlands, this community plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Moluccan culture abroad while contributing to the multicultural landscape of their adopted country.

The history of the South Moluccas is one of colonization, struggle, and resilience. In the 1600s, the Netherlands colonized the region, incorporating it into the Dutch East Indies. After World War II, in 1949, the Dutch ceded sovereignty to an independent Federal Republic of Indonesia, with the South Moluccas becoming part of the state of Eastern Indonesia. However, tensions soon arose when Indonesian President Sukarno sought to transition the country from a federal to a unitary state, leading the South Moluccans to declare independence.

The declaration of independence marked the beginning of a prolonged struggle for international recognition of their right to self-determination. Indonesian military occupation in 1951 and the establishment of a government in exile in the Netherlands in 1966 further complicated the situation. Despite these challenges, the South Moluccas have persisted in their quest for recognition.

The South Moluccas continue to endure significant political, socio-economic, and environmental challenges under Indonesian rule, contributing to ongoing tensions and struggles within the region.

The political situation in the South Moluccas is marked by persistent repression by the Indonesian government. Human rights organizations have documented widespread abuses, including arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, and the suppression of freedom of expression and assembly. Indigenous Moluccans who advocate for greater autonomy or independence often face severe repercussions, including imprisonment and torture. The crackdown on political dissent is particularly severe during periods of unrest or on anniversaries of key events related to the South Moluccan independence movement.

Cultural repression is another critical issue. The Indonesian government’s transmigration policies, which have been in place since the 1970s, have encouraged the relocation of non-indigenous Indonesians, particularly Javanese, to the South Moluccas. This policy has led to significant demographic changes, with the indigenous Moluccan population becoming increasingly marginalized. The influx of non-indigenous settlers has diluted the cultural and ethnic identity of the South Moluccas, threatening the survival of their unique traditions and languages.

Economically, the South Moluccas face severe marginalization. Despite the region’s natural wealth, including fisheries and potential for tourism, the local population often sees little benefit. Economic policies and practices favor the central government and non-indigenous businesses, leaving the indigenous population with limited opportunities. This economic disenfranchisement is compounded by inadequate access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.

Environmental challenges further exacerbate the difficulties faced by the South Moluccas. The islands are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities and agricultural lands. Deforestation, driven by both illegal logging and government-sanctioned activities, has led to the loss of biodiversity and increased the risk of natural disasters such as landslides and floods. These environmental issues, combined with the socio-economic struggles of the Moluccan people, create a precarious situation that requires urgent attention.

Respecting the right to self-determination for the people of the South Moluccas is crucial not only for ensuring their cultural preservation and political autonomy but also for addressing the broader challenges that they face. Granting them equal representation on the international stage would empower the Moluccan people to address historical grievances, seek justice for human rights abuses, and work towards sustainable development. Such recognition would benefit not only the South Moluccas but also set a positive precedent for peaceful conflict resolution and autonomy movements in other regions, contributing to long-term stability and justice in Indonesia and beyond.