Right now, in West Papua the long struggle for independence from Indonesian rule has reignited, triggering a brutal crackdown that involves chemical weapons, horrific killings, and mass displacement. All of this is occurring on Australia’s doorstep, yet we barely hear or see a thing about it in the news.

Rewind, just over twenty years ago to Timor Leste, when a similar situation was unfolding – a struggle for independence, accompanied by a brutal crackdown by Indonesian authorities. Again, despite this occurring less than 700 km from Australia’s coastline – we heard very little.

What little we do hear comes from journalists on the ground – people who are risking their own lives to ensure the stories of these atrocities make it out. I’ve always been fascinated by journalists working in conflict zones. The trauma of witnessing war combined with the burden of responsibility for documenting the horrors of war is a heavy load to carry.

I invited four time Walkely Award nominated investigative reporter and author, John Martinkus on to the podcast to talk through what’s happening in West Papua. John is the author of the book, A Dirty Little War – covering Timor Leste's struggle for independence – written after John’s experience of being the only foreign journalist in the country through this period. John has also recently released another book, The Road, covering the current uprising in West Papua.