The history of West Papua is always exciting for us to discuss. Some countries try to claim part of this island at varying times, including the British, Dutch, German, and Japanese.
It has happened since the 18th century. Yet, the declaration of the Indonesian Republic in 1945 involved West Papua territory as part of the nation. Let us learn about West Papua history in the following article.
Start in the 1950s
During this time, the Dutch government started to prepare for the independence of this territory through the decolonization process. However, in 1961, the Republic of Indonesia took part in the return of Papua. At that time, Indonesia called this region West Irian.
There was intense Cold War politics at that time. So, the military expansionism of Indonesia pulled the attention of other countries. We can view this from the historical record too.
It made the Dutch take a hard decision. The Dutch allowed Indonesia to govern Papua.
The US was involved as the mediator. Meanwhile, the United Nations took part in overseeing the negotiation for its future.
Referendum in 1969
There was a mandated referendum on this territory in 1969. The UN had mandated Indonesia to hold the ‘Act of Free Choice’. Yet, Indonesia handpicked tribal leaders on behalf of the whole population to be a council.
So, there was no one man for a one-vote referendum. The council felt intimidated and pressured. Thus, they decided to integrate Papua with Indonesia instead of opting for independence.
At that time, Papuans described the situation as an ‘Act of No Choice’. They feel being cheated of the chance of self-determination.
This process also attracted some international observers, Indonesian legal experts, and human rights activists. Besides, it also attracted international attention. They questioned the process’s legitimacy for the history of West Papua at that time.
Opposed Indonesian Rule
From earlier, most Papuans opposed the rule of the Republic of Indonesia. They wanted to get the chance to govern themselves. Because of that, many acts respond to this opposition.
Both sides resorted to violence and also reacted with oppression. The opposition threatens the existence of indigenous Papuans. Unfortunately, this act became the root of the conflict that still occurs today.
The Papuan people are a mix with most tribes. There are more than 300 Melanesians ethnic tribes. They consist of various religions from the total population in West Papua.
Special Autonomy
After 1998, Papuans gained respect and a real chance to resolve the conflicts. The people aspired to end the injustice in the territory. They are concerned about the nationalist ideology of the Indonesian state.
At first, the people demanded independence for the territory, although it could not be reversed at ease. Because of that, the Indonesian government offered the chance to quell the demands for independence.
The Indonesian government proposed the territory with a package of autonomy. So, Papuans can measure and get a greater opportunity to govern their territory.
This special autonomy brought the island to two provinces with different governance, Papua and West Papua. Each has the authority to administer their territory.
Besides, they get a better chance to decide about the local policy, including taking essential decisions. Through this special autonomy, West Papua can increase and control the revenues raised in this territory.
The special autonomy may bring slow changes. Yet, the indigenous Papuans get significant improvements for dignity and welfare. The Indonesian government tries to keep its commitment to autonomy.
The presidential decree in 2003 mentioned the division of Papua provinces. The brief explanation about the history of West Papua above shows the progress in the establishment of democracy.