Fiji, Sept. 3 -- Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders have warned that Indonesia's Associate Member status could be reviewed in 2027 if Jakarta does not facilitate a long-standing request for a visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua.

The decision, reached during an MSG Caucus on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Koror, Palau, has been welcomed by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), which says Melanesian leaders are moving towards greater accountability over the situation in the territory.

ULMWP Vice President Executive Octovianus Mote said the movement was encouraged by the MSG leaders' decision.

"We are deeply encouraged by the decision of the...