“Mutual respect, friendship and co-operation?” The Indonesia-Papua New Guinea Border and its effects on relations between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia

Abstract

In October 1986 the foreign ministers of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) signed a Treaty of Mutual Respect, Friendship and Co-operation. Under the terms of this treaty the two countries have agreed not to threaten or use force against one another and not to cooperate with others in hostile or unlawful acts against each other or allow their territory to be used by others for such purposes. Provision is made also for consultation and negotiation in the event of any dispute. The treaty was hailed by President Suharto as “another milestone in the history of both countries,” while Papua New Guinea's prime minister, Paias Wingti, and foreign affairs secretary, Bill Dihm, said it would give direction for the future and inspire confidence in Papua New Guinea and its regional neighbors.