The fight for liberating West Papua from the Dutch authority after the Independence in 1945 was seriously strenuous. Even the worst case was when the Netherlands denounced the series of agreements from Linggarjati negotiation to the Dutch-Indonesian round table conference. Instead of gaining the whole freedom frequently promised by the European colonial, Indonesia had to encounter complexity by accepting the fact that the new country only administered three territories – Java, Madura, and Sumatra. In addition to the restricted domain, the control over people seemed vague as the Dutch interference was unavoidable.
Numerous ways had been taken to shatter the Dutch’s claim expressing that Western New Guinea didn’t deserve to be the part of archipelago’s sovereignty due to the racial difference. And ultimately to settle this harsh political circumstance, the United States offered help to clarify every single matter. Through the New York agreement fruitfully held on August 15th, 1962, Indonesia finally had a chance to take a temporary control over West Papua in 1963. One of the attention-grabbing facts with reference to the accord in the UN headquarters in New York is the Papuan delegates proudly representing Indonesia named Silas Papare.
Who is Actually Silas Papare?
This personage native to West Papua might not be as famed as Frans Kaisiepo or Johannes Abraham Dimara. However, his significant role in unifying West Papua and Indonesia can’t be brushed aside. Born in Serui on December 18th, 1918, the Melanesian pride was very active in fighting against the Dutch imperialism and abominations. Silas Papare’s concern toward the future of Indonesia as a self-determined nation was appreciated by multitude parties. The national hero kept up his principle values about patriotism and nationalism as well.
His persistence in defending the existence of Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke (in which West Papua is also included) has astounded uncounted Indonesian population. It is no wonder; his glorious name was once immortalized in the warship owned by the Indonesian navy with the serial number of 386 – and not to mention the denominating to an academy for social and political science better known as STISPOL (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Sosial Politik) sitting elegantly on Jalan Diponegoro in Jayapura. Another tribute can be traced up by way of a street name in the city of Nabire – Jalan Silas Papare.
The West Papuan independence activist’s inspiring biography began when he finished his education in 1935 taking the nurse major. He was such a prosperous individual who took the rare opportunity to go for the better education. As almost everyone knows that in the back day, it was pretty harsh for an indigenous resident to get smooth access to the edification. The Dutch dichotomy separating the people’s social status based on the race breeds remained controversial. Sadly, only aristocrat and nobleman could delight in the privilege. With the great achievement as a graduate, the West Papuan got his first job as the Dutch government employee. It was truly an honor for the local to have such job.
The Struggle of Silas Papare to Face out the Dutch Regime
The early notable action performed by this Melanesian figure was when he became a guerrilla leader in fighting back the authority of Dutch East Indies right after four months of the independence declaration specifically in December 1945. This bright Papuan individual was considered as jeopardizing threat for the Dutch side as he successfully arranged a rebellion and brought around the Dutch army’s Papuan battalion to do the same. As a result, Silas Papare was sent to jail for a couple of miserable years.
Although this man had to live the severe life in the chilly, dark prison room in Serui for some moments, the daredevil found a lot of inspiration and robust belief concerning the importance of freeing West Papua from the Dutch power. His strong determination was getting more intense when his acquaintanceship with the uplifting figure from North Celebes named Dr. Sam Ratulangi appeared unstoppable. The respectful governor exiled by the Dutch imperialist for his tough fight against the colonization had shaped Silas Papare’s mind.
The Series of Silas Parare’s Heroic Action in Defending Indonesia
After being released from the prison, Silas Papare had the strong earnestness to drive the Dutch invaders out of Indonesia. He established a party named PKKI (Partai Kemerdekaan Indonesia Irian) to voice his struggle. Unfortunately, before this person gained real accomplishment, he was resent to jail by the Dutch. However shortly after, the rebel successfully fled away to Yogyakarta with his family by ship. His fight continued in Indonesia’s old capital by building a foundation to liberate Papua. With his big effort, the Papuan hero was designated by Soekarno as a delegate in New York agreement to end the dispute between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
In conclusion, Silas Papare played a big role in fighting against the Dutch occupation. With his high determination and limitless enthusiasm in defending Indonesia, he could bring West Papua back to the archipelagos’ sovereignty.
