The history of Papuan resistance against colonial and authoritarian rule becomes a long politic conflict because it has persisted to the present.
In reality, West Papua still implores the Indonesian government to free them as a result of this occurrence. Then, how do the Papuans handle everything?
The History of Papuan Resistance Against Colonial and Authoritarian Rule
Despite numerous sources claiming that the Dutch colonialists did not genuinely colonize Papua, Indonesia continues to insist that Papua be included in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
The two eventually became divided due to a shift in opinion over time.
1. Opening of Schools by the Netherland
In Papua, the Netherlands started establishing an educational system. Papuan elite was likewise being developed by the Dutch.
Originally, it was planned to use this area to house Indo-Eurasians (Dutch and indigenous breeds) who did not wish to relocate to the Netherlands. The genuine awakening of Papuan nationalism occurs from this point.
For the Papuan people, the administrative transfer to Indonesia had terrible effects. Actually, Indonesia is unable to handle it. In the 1960s, the Indonesian economy started to collapse.
Due to financial problems in their home country, soldiers who are sent there turn into looters who can start a war.
2. Papua’s Hatred of Indonesia
As a result of the ongoing theft of the Papuan people, resentment of the Indonesian government among the Papuans developed from this occurrence and has persisted to this day.
Then came PEPERA, also known as the Determination of People’s Opinion, which was conducted in 1969 to participate in this Pepera, only 1025 persons were’selected’.
The United Nations, which was sick of this issue, agreed with the New Order government’s position that “deliberation and consensus” should take precedence over a direct vote.
We are aware that Suharto’s 32-year rule was the outcome of the same dynamic. Acts are perform under duress and at gunpoint.
3. Indonesia is Colonial
Indonesia is colonial, occupier, oppressor to West Papuans. The label departs from within the basic thoughts, hearts, feelings, wishes, intentions, wills, endeavors, goals, and interests.
Then this was reflect in the practice of colonization, oppression and slavery in Papua.
This status was valid before seizing Papua by means of annexation. From the beginning Soekarno saw Papua through the lens of annexation.
Then seized and occupied it by colonial means. Indonesia is currently occupying West Papua (colony) and depriving Papuans of their property rights and rights to life (capitalization).
4. Fleeing from Colonial Indonesia
Because of this incident, many Papuans fled from their territory. Why did they flee (rescue) themselves there?
Because the Indonesian colonial military threatened, terrorized, intimidated and chased them to arrest, kidnap, torture, beat, rape, shoot, stab, kill, dislodge, and so on.
Others died from common illnesses but most of them died as a result of violence by the military colonialism in West Papua.
Actually, according to history, some people have also passed away as a result of non-physical violence, such as poisoning, the special autonomy policy, and other things.
Hopefully in the future, the people of West Papua and Indonesia will reunite and end the history of Papuan resistance against colonial and authoritarian rule.
Besides that, it is hope Indonesia’s new leader can give rights to Papuans in the future.
