Indonesia is a country with many islands and provinces. One of them is West Papua province. But as they declared their independence on the 1st of December 2020, they became a different nation. It happens after a long journey and sacrifice for them.
The History
West Papua, earlier known as West Irian or Irian Jaya Barat. This was a province in Indonesia before they declared their independence. As one of Indonesia’s provinces, West Papua has to follow all of the rules set by the government. Also, all people in West Papua became part of Indonesia.
West Papua covers two western peninsulas of New Guinea. There are the Bird’s Head Peninsula and the Bomberai Peninsula. It’s bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the north and the Halmahera Sea on the west. In the south, this province is bordered by the Banda Sea and in the east by Cenderawasih Bay.
West Papua province has become a beautiful yet unique place in Indonesia. Although the location is very difficult to reach, so many people are interested on this island. This place is beautiful and could be one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia.
Based on its history, West Papua was legally known as a province in 1999. It consists of 13 regencies and 1 city. This province has a special autonomy that has been granted by Indonesian legislation.
The Meaning of Papua
Behind this island’s name, there is a beautiful meaning. There are many theories about the history of this name. Papua itself comes from the word Papo-Ua. This name was given by the Tidore Sultanate. In the Tidore language, this name means not joining or not being united. But it has a positive meaning that they want this province to be a peaceful place without rules from the king.
Before being known as Papua, this province was called Irian Jaya. This name comes from the Biak language. Iri-an means “hot land,” and it shows this province as a place with a hot climate. Also, this name comes from the word “Iryan,” which means a land that is entering a new era.
Nowadays, people know this province as West Papua. It’s very popular with the Raja Ampat island as one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia. However, there are many beautiful views you can find in that place.
Special Autonomy for West Papua
Indonesia gives special autonomy to the people of West Papua. It was given to respect their aspirations and give them a chance to have a better life. With this special autonomy, this province has greater authority. They have a special right to decision-making.
However, West Papua people see this special autonomy as nothing. The situation is no different with this special autonomy. It’s not useful and didn’t bring any significant improvement. That’s why people in West Papua province are starting to fight for a better chance.
People in West Papua think that the autonomy granted by the Indonesian government is nothing. Indonesia has made great progress in other provinces. But they don’t see any progress in West Papua. All people have questions about it, and they have started to fight for their own democracy.
This was the beginning of the fight and conflict in West Papua. The people want to fight for their independence and become a different nation. It’s a chaotic situation because people in West Papua never hesitate to fight for their independence. They chose Benny Wenda as the leader of the United Movement for the Liberation of West Papua.
People in West Papua fight for their independence in a very hard way. Until West Papua province got the right chance to be declared as an independent nation. But Indonesia still admits them as a part of one sovereign state.
