Arnold Ap

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Arnold Ap (July 1st 1945— April 26th 1984) was a West Papuan cultural leader, anthropologist and musician. Arnold was the leader of the group Mambesak, and Curator of the Cenderawasih University Museum.

His prominent use of Papuan culture and music was seen as a challenge to the efforts of Indonesia against Papuan nationalism and identity.

In November of 1983 he was arrested by the Indonesian military special forces Kopassus and imprisoned and tortured for suspected sympathies with the Free Papua Movement, although no charges were laid. In April of 1984 he was shot, in what supporters claim was an execution, although official accounts claim he was trying to escape. Another musician, Eddie Mofu was also killed.

Arnold Ap and Mambesak are still popular in West Papua, and are seen as symbols of Papuan identity (separate from Indonesia).