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How the Act of Free Choice in West Papua Took Place

The Act of Free Choice, also known as Pepera, is a significant occurrence in the history of Indonesia and West Papua. This historic event continues to elicit a series of sentiments, and it frequently leads to extended disputes.

This post is perfect for those who want to know fast about the Act of Free Choice. Warning, to avoid stress, read this post while drinking coffee.

The History of Pepera

Before delving into the Act of Free Choice, it’s important to understand the long history of the Dutch settlement in Indonesia. The Dutch invaded Indonesia for 350 years, or 3.5 centuries in the old days. During that time, this country from the European continent plundered Indonesia, which is rich in natural resources.

They conjured up all they could find and transported it back to their homeland. Thus the Indonesian people’s lives are thrown into disarray. West Papua was under their control also. Alas, the Dutch were still unwilling to accept Indonesian sovereignty at the moment of its independence.

The battle continued until 1949, when, following extensive discussions at the Round Table Conference (KMB), the Netherlands formally accepted the existence of the Indonesian state and expressed willingness to let Indonesia depart and thereafter established its own state. Nonetheless, because the Dutch considered its natural potential extremely abundant, they could not promptly relinquish West Papua.

As a consequence, this land in eastern Indonesia was kept under Dutch control. Until 1961, the Dutch sponsored the inauguration of this region’s independence with a rite to raise their new flag, known as the Morning Star.

The Indonesian government, on the other hand, did not remain quiet. Several dialogues and lawsuits were filed in international forums. As a result of the New York Agreement’s outcomes in 1962, a decision was made to hold the Act of Free Choice, also known as Pepera. This event was designed to allow Papuans to choose whether or not to be part of Indonesia.

The Timeline of The Act of Free Choice

According to article 17 of the New York Agreement, the Act of Free Choice can only be carried out one year after the decision is made by the United Nations’s Fernando Ortiz-Sanz, who served as Bolivia’s Ambassador.

Because Fernando visited West Papua in 1968, the polling procedure could not take place until 1969. Meanwhile, all local people, both men, and women, who have the right to vote are participating in the voting process.

This province, which is rich in gold resources, had a population of around 800,000 people at the time. In the end, 1,025 male and female residents were picked to reflect the total number of people.

It is vital to note that this polling process should be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations. However, due to the conditions of the people who refused to allow it, the system was changed to a deliberate method.

This procedure is divided into three stages:

  1. On March 24, 1969, consultations on the technical rules of the Act were held in Jayapura.
  2. In June 1969, the Pepera Consultative Council was elected.
  3. From July 14 to August 2, 1969, the Pepera process was initiated from Merauke to Djajapura.

We now know that the people of West Papua voted to join Indonesia as a result of the referendum outcomes. This momentous decision was later ratified by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 2504.

Despite the fact that the Act was passed 53 years ago, it is still widely condemned today. Many troubles regularly encircle Indonesia’s stance, as if it were carrying out various oppressive acts against the population of this territory in order to colonize it freely.

One of the unfavorable issues is that some argue that an act of free will is essentially an act of no choice. This is due to the fact that, at the time, the Indonesian government engaged in deception by providing various Acts to put pressure on the people of Act of Free Choice to join Indonesia.

So, let us proceed with caution when addressing this matter. It’s just that we must always retain Indonesia’s integrity and not be easily stirred by the tales about our region provided by foreign media.