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West Papua: From COLONISATION To RECOLONISATION (PAPUA BARAT Dari KOLONISASI Ke REKOLONISASI, WESTPAC The West Papuan Community Masyarakat Papua Barat © 1999, X 1414 - GF990/402
West Papua: From COLONISATION To RECOLONISATION (PAPUA BARAT Dari KOLONISASI Ke REKOLONISASI, WESTPAC The West Papuan Community Masyarakat Papua Barat © 1999, X 1414 - GF990/402
GF990/402
West Papua:
from COLONISATION
to RECOLONISATION
WESTPAC
The West Papuan Community
Masyarakat Papua Barat
1999
WEST IRIAN:
...Personlijk wens ik te verklaren dat West Irian mij niets kan schelen.
Ik erken dat ook het Papoea-Volk het recht heeft een vrije natie to
werden..."
... I personally would like to say that for me West Irian should not
become a matter of problem. I am aware that Papuan people also
have the right to become an independence nation.... Mohammad
Hatta, KBM 1949 - Den Haag, Nederland
HUMAN RIGHTS
"Human rights are foreign to no culture and native to all nations; they
are universal. One cannot pick and choose among Human Rights;
whether civil, cultural, economic, political, or social. Human Rights are
indivisible and interdependent. And as this century's bloody history has
taught us, the absence of Human Rights is more than a denial of
Human Dignity; it is also the root of the poverty and political violence
that plague our world...
The case of West Papua is more likely a case of Human Rights than
Political. We do not mean to put you in a more difficult position, but
recognising your proven role as the "Father of Democracy" in
Indonesia, we are convinced that the painful matter regarding the
case of West Papua could be driven itno a new dimension for a
peaceful final settlement based on more humane and Mutual acy" in
Indonesia, we are convinced that the painful matter regarding the
case of West Papua could be driven into a new dimension for a
peaceful final settlement based on more humane and Mutual
Understanding.
To assist you in defining the case of West Papua more objectively and
in order to help the development of more simple, more realistic and
workable JUST solutions, we would like to bring to your attention the
following:
1. Let us review the history of the Annexation of West Papua in
order to sort each developing problem more proportionally;
2. If there is FREEDOM for West Papua, please confirm
unconditionally, likewise, if there is NO FREEDOM, we honestly
request your kindness in state it openly in an INTERNATIONAL
level forum (as to its basic considerations) in order to obtain a
JUST International clarification, as the ANNEXATOIN of West
Papua in the 1960s by the Indonesian Government was
internationally legitimatised through the United Nations.
3. For the West Papuans, LAWS applicable to the
clarification of the case of West Papua (as an ANNEXED
State and a People) are ABSOLUTELY International Laws,
not Indonesian Laws. However, factually for over three
(3) decades the Indonesian Government has had imposed
various sanctions on the West Papuan National Rights
Defenders and not seldom accused the Papuans as
SEPARATISTS, based on the Indonesian laws. This
reflects total incapability of the Government of Indonesia
to RATIONALLY DEFINE the striking difference between
the problems concerning West Papua as an ANNEXED
State and a People, and ordinary problems arisen within
the context related to the status of Irian Jaya as a
PROVINCE OF INDONESIA.
4. It is the responsibility of the Indonesian Government to
thoroughly define the aforementioned and widely
publicise and explain it to the entire nation especially The
Finally, while pondering what has had been presented hereby for
further reference in the painful case of West Papua, let us refer to a
special message, written in the Holy Bible, in the book of Exodus
Chapter 4 verse 23:
Yours truly,
DEMIANUS T. WANIMBO
Chairman
cc:
1. The Hon. Secretary General of the United Nations in New York USA
2. The Congress of the USA, Washington DC.
3. The Hon. Chair of the World Council of Churches in Switzerland
4. The Hon. Chair of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the
Netherlands
TO BE REMUSED ..........."
REMUSED
A. BACKGROUND
The People of West Papua are well aware that Indonesia as a State, is
an accident of Dutch Colonial History.
When the federal system was forcibly converted into a total unity
system, it was spontaneously responded to by armed resistance. The
rebellions of DI/TII, PRRI/Permesta, RMS, etc., were grounded by a
sole intention to obtain JUST recognition of their National Rights. All
the resistance could be easily extinguished by Soekarno, using his
'built-power.'
Even the mainland of West Papua had never been occupied during that
time by 'foreigners' as they considered it eerie and frightening.
(F.C.Kamma, 1981)
When the VOC tried to encroach the territory of Tidore Sultanate and
the action kindled a war in 1649, Sultan referred to MAMBRI
KURABESI, a Commanding Warrior from Biak dominated the waters
between West Papua and the Moluccas, for help. From Waigeo Island
in West Papua, Kurabessi responded by directly leading a fleet of 24
"War Praws" and succeeded in expelling VOC. As reward Kurabesi was
granted marriage to one of the Sultan's princess (Boki Tabai).
After the marriage, Kurabesi returned to West Papua, and from this
marriage emerged the Four Kings, known locally as "Korano Fyak/
Korano Fat."
The whole archipelago in the waters off the West Coast of the Bird's
Head are of West Papua was divided into four domains, and was
named "Raja Ampat" after those "Four Kings", as yet.
In 1795, Tidore Sultan and Prince Nuku vied each other over the
throne of the sultanate. Supported by VOC, Sultan Tidore outpowered
Prince Nuku, who retreated to Raja Ampat. With the assistance of the
Four Kings' alliance (who recruited warriors from Biak, Pom-Ansus,
and Waigeo), and the King of Jailolo, Ternate was recovered and
Sultan Tioder and the VOIC were defeated on July 21, 1801. As
reward, the Papuan warriors were granted marriage and settlement in
Halmahera (in the Districts of Morotai, Obi, Wasilesi, Jailolo, Loloda,
etc.), whose offspring could still be found there as yet.
In 1824 Sultan Tidore defeated Raja Jailolo and recovered a great deal
of Jailolo's territories in the North Moluccas. Sultan later singed a
treaty with the Kings of West Papua to GUARANTEE AND CO-
MAINTAIN THE PEACE in the waters of both territories. This was
'In THE HOLY NAME OF GOD', they BAPTISED the Land of Papua. And
ever since eerie and frightening 'profile' of West Papua was lighted up
by the LOVE OF JESUS, and the Power of Darkness, replaced by the
Love of Christ. Missionary posts were opened everywhere throughout
the land. Basic educational and health facilities were established.
Mr. Frans Kaisiepo stated clearly to Dr. H.J. van Mook and the
attending Indonesian delegates of the intentions of the people of West
Papua to be given a SELF-GOVERNANCE STATUS. It is on this
occasion, Mr. Frans Kaisiepo suggested the new name for the territory,
IRIAN which derived from a word in Biak Language means 'steamy'.
The word was later politically adapted by Soekarno into the acronym of
IRIAN that stands for "Follow Republic of Indonesia, Anti-Netherlands."
The conference achieved nothing in the way of compromise.
In 1949, the Round Table Conference was held in The Hague, the
Netherlands. In that conference the Dutch were determined not to
cede sovereignty over West Papua. The Indonesian Nationalists simply
claimed West Papua as PART OF INDONESIA, based on the Dutch
Colonial Map. The claim was strictly opposed by the leader of the
The above view explicitly backed the aspiration of the West Papuans as
stated by one of the Papuan delegates to the conference, MR. JOHAN
ARIKS, FOR NOT INCLUDING WEST PAPUA AS A TERRITORY OF THE
REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA.
Unfortunately, this concept was never signed and brought into reality,
for many reasons.
Although the concept was never brought into reality but the
seriousness of the Dutch Government was demonstrated through
preliminary stage of the Papuanisation where in 1957, 30% of the
posts in the government were held by West Papuans, with an initial
projection for the increment to 100% by 1970, whereupon the
The Recent Generation of West Papua realise very well the past role
of Soekarno as Intellectual Puppeteer, and Political Architect of the
Republic of Indonesia. Personally, Soekarno was totally put under the
spell of political principles, views and doctrines originated from
various world political leaders. Being affected by such views, to
emergence of his obsession to become a recognised world leader,
then began to develop gradually.
From China came a low-interest loan of US$450 million, and from the
USA came support as wel. And within the next years Indonesia spent
over US$ 2 billions on the military preparations.
............................
SECRET
April 2, 1962
Thi ld b i hi h ith Th N th l d th W t
W f i th I d i G t t l
I have written to you in the spirit of frankness and trust which I hope
is appropriate to the relation of our countries as friends and allies.
What moves me is my conviction that in our common interest the
present opportunities for peaceful settlement in this painful matter
must not be lost.
Sincerely,
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for World Indigenous Studies and/or the Author Copyright Policy
The U.S. Government during that time was deeply engaged in the
stemming of Communism expansion all over the world, either in
America, Asia or in Europe.
Apart from Cuba and the Latin America, the Communists also
intensified their operations in other parts of the world such as Laos,
Vietnam, etc. This matter had drawn the U.S.'s total attention.
The heat up of the Indonesian - Dutch conflict over West Irian forced
President Kennedy to directly intervene in solving the problem. In
1962, the U.S. President's brother, Mr. Robert Kennedy visited
Jakarta and developed an unlikely rapport with Soekarno. Meanwhile
at The Hague, President Kennedy pressured the Dutch Government to
enter into SECRET NEGOTIOATIONS with Indonesia.
With reference to the New York Agreement and based on the U.N.
Resolution No. 1752 (xvii), as of October 01, 1962, the State of West
Papua was handed over to the United Nations. Hence, the State of
West Papua that was degraded to be a Non-Self-Governing Territory
was officially run by UNTEA (United Nations Temporary Executive
Administration).
The presence of the U.N. in West Papua went for 8 (eight) months
only.
On May 01, 1963, UNTEA handed over West Papua to the Republic of
Indonesia.
On May 01, 1963, West Irian was officially transferred by UNTEA to the
Government of the Republic of Indonesia.
For, Tengku said that with 'Malaysia' North Borneo will be free. Listen
to me, Tengku said that by the establishment of Malaysia, North
Borneo shall be, shall be, shall be free. (Deppen RI, 1964: IRIAN
BARAT, page 44).
............................
Nicolaas Jouwe,
The above reasons could be proved by the fact that many of the topics
of Soekarno's meeting held abroad with American leaders, apart from
politics, were mainly also focused on economic matters.
He furthermore explained:
It is obvious here that the main reason that had driven the
United States to SUPPORT INDONESIA IN ANNEXING THE
STATE AND PEOPLE OF WEST PAPUA, was ECONOMIC, and
not POLITICAL.
TOTAL MEMBER OF
No. REGENCY DATE CONDUCTED
POPULATION THE DMP
14 July 1969 (5.30
01. Maroke 144,171 175
hours)
16 July 1969 (4.05
02. Jayawijaya 165,000 175
hours)
19 July 1969 (4.30
03. Paniai 156,000 175
hours)
23 July 1969 (3.05
04. FakFak 43,187 75
hours)
26 July 1969 (3.17
05. Sorong 75,474 110
hours)
29 July 1969 (5.10
06. Manokwari 49,974 75
hours)
Teluk 30 July 1969 (3.55
07. 91,870 131*)
Cenderawasih hours)
02 August 1969
08 Jayapura 83,750 110
(4.00 hours)
total population of 1,026
8 REGENCIES 8 DAYS
809,326 electorate
Comments:
1. Biak 1 person
2. Maroke 1 person
3. Nabire 1 person
4. Jayapura 1 person
5. TOTAL ABSENT APPOINTEES: 4 Persons
• Concessions
X
XXII.
• Honoring Commitments
X X
XXIV.
• UNTEA's Budget
X
• Cost Reimbursements
X
Not surprisingly, when on August 1, 1969, 1,022 from 1,026 the DMP
Members in the final meeting in Jayapura dully decided, without a
dissenting vote, to 'remain with Indonesia'.
The General Assembly neither gave head to the Official Report by the
Act's Supervisor (which was only 'heard' and not 'adopted'), not to the
international press' testimonials on Human Rights Abuses in West
Papua, the cries of West Papuans for international help and justice, as
well as opposition of 15 UN member countries.
III.4 RECOLONISATION
The Act of Free Choice conducted in 1969 was very unlawful, for the
New York Agreement that had based its implementation was a LAW
DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT, was it was unilaterally orchestrated by the
US and signed by the Netherlands and Indonesia WITHOUT WEST
PAPUANS BECOMING A PARTY THERETO. Such an action is classified
as violation against the UN General Assembly Resolution 1514(XV)
Chapter 2, and other International Instruments of Human Rights.
The role of the USA in the case of West Papua could therefore be
understood in terms of so-called politics. It is obvious that West
Papua/ns as a State and a People was simply VICTIMISED IN THE
COLD WAR BETWEEN WEST AND EAST.
15 August 1962
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
AND THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS
CONCERNING
WEST NEW GUINEA (WEST IRIAN)
Having in mind the interests and welfare of the people of the territory of West New
Guinea (West Irian) hereinafter referred to as "the territory"
Article i
After the present agreement between Indonesia and the Netherlands has been signed and
ratified by both Contracting Parties, Indonesia and the Netherlands will jointly sponsor a
draft resolution in the United Nations, under the terms of which the General Assembly
TAKES NOTE of the present agreement, acknowledge the role conferred upon the
Secretary-General of the United Nations therein, and authorizes him to carry out the tasks
entrusted to him therein.
TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATION
Article ii
After the adoption of the resolution referred to in Article i, the Netherlands will transfer
administration of the territory to a United Nations Temporary Executive Authority
Article iii
In order to facilitate the transfer of administration to the UNTEA after the adoption of the
resolution by the General Assembly, the Netherlands will invite the Secretary-General to
send a representative to consult briefly with the Netherlands Governor of the territory
prior to the latter's departure. The Netherlands Governor will depart prior to the arrival of
the United Nations Administrator.
Article iv
Article v
The United Nations Administrator, as chief executive office of the UNTEA, will have
full authority under the direction of the Secretary-General to administer the territory for
the period of the UNTEA administration in accordance with the terms of the present
agreement.
Article vi
The United Nations flag will be flown during the period of the United Nations
Administration.
With regard to the flying of the Indonesian and Netherlands flags, it is agreed that this
matter will be determined by agreement between the Secretary-General and the
respective governments.
Article vii
The Secretary-General will provide UNTEA with such security as the United Nations
Administrator deems necessary such forces will primarily supplement existing Papuan
police in the task of maintaining law and order. The Papuan Volunteer Corps, which on
the arrival of the United Nations Administration will cease being part of the Netherlands
armed forces, and the Indonesian armed forces in the territory will be under the authority,
and at the disposal of, Secretary-General for the same purpose. The United Nations
security force will, to the extend feasible, use the Papuan police as a United Nations
security force to maintain law and order, and at his discretion, use Indonesian armed
Article viii
The United Nations Administrator will send periodic reports to the Secretary-General on
the principal aspect of the implementation of the present agreement. The Secretary-
General will submit full reports to Indonesia and the Netherlands and may submit, at his
direction, reports to the General-Assembly or to all United Nations Members.
Article ix
The United Nations Administration will replace as rapidly as possible top Netherlands
officials as defined in Annex with non-Netherlands, non-Indonesian officials during the
first phase of the UNTEA administration which will be completed on 1 May 1963. The
United Nations Administrator will be authorized to employ on a temporary basis all
Netherlands officials other than top Netherlands officials defined in Annex A, who wish
to serve the UNTEA, in accordance with such terms and conditions as the Secretary-
General may specify. As many Papuans as possible will be brought into administrative
and technical positions. To fill the remaining required posts, the UNTEA will have
authority to employ personnel provided by Indonesia. Salary rates prevailing in the
territory will be maintained.
Article x
Immediately after the transfer of administration to the UNTEA, the UNTEA will
widely publicize and explain the terms of present agreement, and will inform the
population concerning the transfer of administration and the provision of the ACT
OF SELF-DETERMINATION as set out in the present agreement.
Article xi
To the extend that they are consistent with the letter and spirit of the present
agreement, existing laws and regulations will remain in effect. The UNTEA will have
the power to promulgate new laws and regulations or amend them within the spirit and
framework of the present agreement. The REPRESENTATIVE COUNCILS will be
consulted prior to the issuance of new laws and regulations or the amendment of existing
laws.
Article xii
The United Nations Administrator will have direction to transfer all or part of the
administration to Indonesia at time after the first phase of the UNTEA administration.
The UNTEA's authority will cease at the moment of transfer of full administrative control
to Indonesia.
Article xiii
United Nations security forces will be replaced by Indonesian security forces after the
first phase of the UNTEA administration. All United Nations security forces will be
withdrawn upon the transfer of administration to Indonesia.
INDONESIAN ADMINISTRATION AND SELF-DETERMINATION
Article xiv
Article xv
After the transfer of full administrative responsibility to Indonesia, the primary task of
Indonesia will be further intensification of the education of the people, of the combating
illiteracy, and of the advancement of their social, cultural, and economic development.
Efforts also will be made in accordance with present Indonesian practice to accelerate the
participation of the people in local government through periodic elections. Any respects
relating to the ACT OF FREE CHOICE will be governed by the terms of this agreement.
Article xvi
Article xviii
Indonesia will make arrangements, with assistance and participation of the United
Nations Representative and his staff, to give the people of the territory, the opportunity to
exercise FREEDOM OF CHOICE. Such arrangements will include:
a. CONSULTATION (Musyawarah_) with the representative councils on procedures and
methods to be followed for ascertaining the FREELY EXPRESSED WILL of the
population.
b. The determination of the actual date of the exercise of FREE CHOICE within the
period established by the present agreement.
c. Formulations of the question in such a way as to permit inhabitants to decide (a)
whether they wish to remain with Indonesia; or (b) whether they wish to severe their ties
with Indonesia.
d. The eligibility of all adults, male and female, not foreign nationals to participate in the
ACT OF SELF-DETERMINATION to be carried out in accordance with
INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE, who are residents at the time of the Act of Self-
Determination, including those residents who departed after 1945 and who returned to the
territory to resume residence after the termination of Netherlands administration.
Article xix
Article xx
Article xxi
After the exercise of the Right of Self-Determination, Indonesia and the United Nations
Representative will submit final reports to the Secretary-General who will report to the
General Assembly on the conduct of the Act of Self-Determination and the results
thereof.
Article xxii
The UNTEA and Indonesia will guarantee fully the rights, including the rights of free
speech, freedom of movements and of assembly of the inhabitants of the area. These
rights will include the existing rights of the inhabitants of the territory at the time of the
transfer of administration to the UNTEA.
The UNTEA will take over existing Netherlands commitments in respect of concession
and property rights.
After Indonesia has taken over the administration it will honor those commitments which
are not inconsistent with the interests and economic development of the people of the
territory. A joint Indonesia-Netherlands commission will be set up after the transfer of
administration to Indonesia to study the nature of the above-mentioned concessions and
property rights.
During the period of the UNTEA administration there will be freedom of movements for
civilians of Indonesia and Netherlands nationalities to and from the territory.
Article xxiii
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Article xxiv
Deficit in the budget of the territory during the UNTEA administration will be shared
equally by Indonesia and the Netherlands.
The parties to the present agreement will reimburse the Secretary-General for all costs by
the United Nations under the present Agreement and will make available suitable funds
Article xxv
The present agreement will take precedence over any previous agreements on the
territory. Previous treaties and agreements regarding the territory may therefore be
terminated or adjusted as necessary to conform to the terms of the present agreement.
Article xxvi
For the purpose of the present agreement, Indonesia and the Netherlands will apply the
United Nations property, funds, assets and officials the provisions of the Convention on
the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. In particular, the United Nations
Administrator, appointed pursuant to Article iv, and the United Nations Representative,
appointed pursuant to Article xvii, will enjoy privileges and immunities specified in
Section 19 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
Ratification
Article xxvii
Present Agreement will be ratified in accordance with the constitutional procedures of the
Contracting Parties
Article xxviii
The present agreement will enter into force upon the date of the adoption by the General-
Assembly of the resolution referred to in Article I of the present agreement.
Authentic Text
Article xxix
The authentic text of the present agreement drawn up in English language. Translations in
the Indonesian and Netherlands languages will be exchanged between the Contracting
Parties.
In witness whereof the undersigned plenipotentiaries, being duly authorized for that
purpose by their respective governments, have signed the present agreement.
Done at the headquarters of the United Nations, New York, on this fifteen day of August
1961, in three identical copies, of which one shall be deposited with the Secretary-
General and one shall be furnished to the government of each the Contracting Parties.
(Signed, Subandrio
For the Republic of Indonesia