If you hear the word Papua, surely you will not forget the political history of West Papua regarding colonialism that has occurred to date and has had a very long journey.
In fact, the people of West Papua are not afraid to separate themselves from the Republic of Indonesia and create their own country.
The Political History of West Papua
West Papua has had a very long and conflict-ridden political journey from the Dutch colonial period to its current liberation.
Of course, this is not an easy thing for the people of Papua to continue to voice their rights in government. Then, how is the journey of political history?
1. Living History of Indonesia and West Papua
The people of West Papua have demonstrated their ability to manage their own lives, with tribal leaders elected or appointed hereditarily.
It is also quite obvious in plain sight that there is a very substantial difference between West Papua and Indonesia. This difference is in addition to the ability to self-regulate
The Papuan people are of the Melanesian race, while the Indonesian people are Mongoloid, creating physical and mental differences between the two nations.
Because West Papuans and Indonesians do not share a common past, Indonesian nationalism is exploited to divide them.
2. The History of the Struggle of Indonesia and West Papua in Expelling Colonizers
The Dutch colonized both Indonesia and West Papua for 350 and 64 years respectively. However the the governance system of West Papua is regulated separately.
From Batavia (Jakarta) and Hollandia, Dutch colonization in Indonesia and West Papua was governed with boundaries of power ranging from the Raja Ampat Islands to Merauke.
In 1908, Indonesia entered the National Awakening (brain struggle) and established various struggle organizations, including Boedi Utomo, Islamic Union, and many others.
West Papua was not involved in the struggle, as the Netherlands were their enemies. Afterthat, both parties have ambitions to seize West Papua.
3. History of West Papuan Independence
400 students at Jayapura’s Bestuurschool were taught in order to prepare for freedom because West Papuans struggled for independence long before Indonesia gained its independence.
In order to prepare for West Papuan independence, the Dutch government established the Nieuw Guinea Raad.
A National Committee made up of 21 individuals and 70 educated Papuans produced a Political Manifesto that specified the name, national anthem, flag,
And flag that was raised on November 1, 1961. After that, the de facto declaration of independence was the Declaration of Independence for West Papua.
4. The West Papuan Nation Under the Rule of the Indonesian New Order and the National Awakening of the Nation
The Papuan people engaged in numerous historical actions throughout Suharto’s New Order dictatorship. To struggle for their country’s separation from Indonesia,
Particularly after the People’s Consultation (PEPERA) of 1969 came into effect so far this conflict has not been resolved.
In addition to the historical events mentioned above, there are also regular acts of struggle. Both diplomatic and guerrilla, carried out by the people of West Papua.
Diplomatically, for example, there has been lobbying and the opening of OPM representative offices in various countries.
Seeing the political history of West Papua which continues to be engraved to this day. Certainly makes the political divisions bigger between Papua and Indonesia.
Hopefully, in the future the government can handle this properly so that the two parties can reunite.
