He was a leader of the non-violent movement that emerge before the fall of Suharto. In July 1998, he lead the peaceful rally at the Tower in Biak, which was bloodily ended by the Indonesian army and navy, also known as the Biak massacre (1998). He was put in prison, but they couldn’t break his Spirit. He was determined to stand up for his people’s freedom.

On December 1, 2004 he participated in a flag-raising to mark West Papua Independence. It also ended bloodily and he got arrested on charges of treason. He was sentenced 15 years imprisonment.

He became a prisoner of conscience.

In 2015 he was released thanks to international solidarity. Never discouraged by the Indonesian military presence in West Papua, always determined to struggle on. He was always there, giving talks en presentations to educate Papuans and Indonesians about West Papua’s struggle for Freedom and Independence.

He was always in communication with the Papuan elders and the leadership in West Papua and abroad. Recently he was appointed by ULMWP – Provisional Government of West Papua – to ensure a smooth transition of governance and a good bilateral relationship between Indonesia and West Papua.

He dedicated his life in service of his people. He died in harness.

Dear Imem,

Araaa….they found your body in the same area where they killed my dad and uncle Eddy Mofu. They way you have lived your life,

I refuse to accept that your death was an accident at sea.

By any means no way.

You are now together with them. You are now part of our Legion of West Papua’s Fallen Heroes.

Thank you for taking your time to visit us here in the Netherlands, back in May 2017. You spoke about the importance of unity and reminded us to put God first in everything we do.

You said: When God is with us, Victory is certain.

Imem, Thank you for your Fighting Spirit, We will carry your name and struggle on. We will finish what you have started.

Araaaa….Marandan bebye.

On behalf of Free West Papua Campaign (NL) family

And Arnold C. Ap family

Oridek Ap

127Yon Wandikbo, Pietsau Amafn