The hero of West Papua, Johannes Abraham Dimara was born on 14th April 1916 at Korem, North Biak, Papua. He was then later adopted by a policeman named Elias Mahubesi at 13, he took Johannes alongside with him to Ambon, where he was stationed. From 1935 – 1940, Johannes studied the Bible in religious school and graduated to work as a Bible teacher at Leksuka, Buru Island.
Becoming a Soldier
In 1942, Johannes was brought to meet the Commander of Buru Island named Ishido. After the meeting, Johannes was appointed as a Kempei-ho (Japanese military police assistant) to investigate securities and observe people who were assumed to be spies.
Indonesia’s Independence
After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Johannes Abraham Dimara who served as a Kampei-ho had Japan’s propaganda of anti-white colonizers and patriotism stayed in his soul, which broadened his thought of how beautiful independence is.
During that time, communication between East Indonesia (including West Papua) and Jakarta was fully disconnected, resulting in a delay of news. The proclamation of independence was first heard in May 1946 after two boat expeditions led by Lieutenant Ibrahim Saleh and First Officer Lieutenant Yos Sudarso came to Biak. These ships sailed near Namlea, Buru Island and were noticed by local residents due to the red and white flag waving on it. A few young men went towards the ship and met the two Lieutenant, introduced each other and exchanged information.
The Desire of Independency
Dimara and his comrades advised a plan to help the ships and their expedition team to enter Biak, among his comrades many agreed. They head on to Kumbrasa to seek allies from the king of Namlea and Kumbrasa, they joined in to overthrow NICA (Nederlandsch Indië Civiele Administratie).
On April 6th 1946, a few young men assembled at King Bahadin’s house, they organized a plan to end NICA’s authority in Biak. Johannes A. Dimara was appointed as one of the leaders along with Anton Papilaya, one of the expedition members. The young men began to make their move to Namlea from Kumbrasa. Before arriving, it was announced that a Maluku Resident Van Ball was coming, and the people of Namlea were ordered to clean the city. April 8th 1946, 300 young men disguised themselves and joined in the cleaning. From there, they captured the police office and then went on to the sub-district office, where the waving red white and blue flag was ripped, resulting in only a red and white flag, the flag of Indonesia. The young men shouted “Merdeka!, Merdeka!” meaning “Independence!”.
On 12th April 1946, the Dutch regained their authority, caught and sent Anton Papilaya to a prison in Ambon, while Johannes and the remaining comrades were able to escape to Sanana Island. However, he was turned in by the leader of Sanana island to the Dutch.
The Runaway
In July 1946, Dimara and his comrades were sent to a trial in Batu Gajah Ambon military court, sentenced 20 years in prison and returned to where he was from. During his sentence, Dimara was able to execute an escape plan because of the guards’ human error. They went from island to island until they reached Manipa island, and stayed at Haji Musa’s house. However, they were later found out by the Dutch police.
Dimara was able to escape Manipa island and went back to square one, in Namlea, Biak island. There he stayed at king Ambrasa Bahadiri Besi’s house, he could roam around freely as the local residents forgot about his role as Indonesia’s provocateur. One afternoon, he turned himself in out of nowhere, he was later brought to Trungku Layang Prison, Makassar in August 1947. There he met with other Indonesian heroes of South Sulawesi like Hasanuddin, Andi Arsad and Andi Bahtiar. At the end of December 1949, Dimara was freed because the Netherlands acknowledged the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Liberation of West Papua
Johannes Abraham Dimara stayed in Makassar, he met Ir. Soekarno who went on an official trip to Makassar, they both had a conversation. After Dimara got out of the hospital, he went to Jakarta in 1950, and later returned to Maluku and joined a special organization to liberate West Papua, the organization was named OPI (Organisasi Pembebasan Irian).
Through a series of operations, on 25 October 1954 heading towards Aru Achipelago (south of West Papua), he was able to catch Van Kricken. Reacting to this capture, the Dutch sent a surveillance plane to locate Dimara’s troops. A battle happened near lake Yamor, Dimara was caught and brought to Digul prison. They were there for 7 years, until Trikora was announced. In September 1961, Dimara was called by Ir. Soekarno as a hero and to become a representative of West Papua in the United Nations.
Ir. Soekarno formed the National Defense Council on December 14th 1961 as a reaction to Dutch military aggression II, and Dimara was one of the members. He was able to convince the people of West Papua & Papua to be a part of Indonesia through a series of public meetings. Due to all of his services to the country, he earned the title of Mayor from Ir. Soekarno. Johannes Abraham Dimara died in Jakarta, 20 October 2000 as was known as one of Indonesia’s national heroes from Papua.
