Amid what has been perceived as government inaction over injustice in Papua, civil society organizations have rallied to support residents in the country’s easternmost region to exercise their right to self-determination through a referendum.

The groups, which have formed an alliance called the Indonesian People’s Front for West Papua (FRI-West Papua), said on Tuesday that a referendum would serve to end the “practice of colonization and militarism” in the restive region.

Announcing a plan to rally on Dec. 1, which is seen by West Papua liberation proponents as the province’s national day, FRI-West Papua spokesperson Surya Anta said the need for a referendum was a consequence of abuses carried out by the government that have resulted in a persistent lack of welfare in the region.

“It’s not possible for West Papuans to live normally if manipulation and...