The New York Agreement: Legal Basis to Restore West Papua Into the Republic of Indonesia (Part 3)

The Agreement was of supreme national importance to Indonesia from the viewpoint of building its nation and national reconstruction which at the time was still in a period of growth and consolidation. Towards this end, the Agreement was a valuable contribution for it succeeded in bringing about a better level of understanding between Indonesia and the Netherlands as well as demonstrating in the early years of the United Nations its success in bringing about a settlement between two of its member States. (1127^th  meeting of the General Assembly plenary  session of 21 September 1962)

In this regard, it is pertinent to point out that the Agreement resolved the following two basic issues : the restoration of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia; and revalidation of the right of self-determination for the people of West Papua. The Agreement contained 29 articles, supplemented by an exchange of letters and other annexes aimed towards serving the interests of the IrianJayan people like the rest of fellow Indonesians. It was this fraternal spirit that would guide Indonesia in its task of administering the territory following the departure of UN TEA. The people of Indonesia were so determined to help them that contributions flowed in from all over the country, from the rich and poor alike to promote the development of IrianJaya. In meeting its responsibilities, Indonesia viewed as its first duty the restoration of harmony among the people of West Papua itself as well as with the rest of the Republic. It did not view this challenge as something new or innovative. As a country comprising of numerous ethnic and regional groupings spread over 3,000 islands, the Indonesian people had always endeavored to live up to their motto of “Unity in Diversity”.

The New York Agreement: Legal Basis to Restore West Papua Into the Republic of Indonesia (Part 2)

The return of West Papua to Indonesia generated great enthusiasm among the peoples. Apart from fulfilling the provisions of the Agreement (Article XV), Indonesia was determined to ensure that West Papuas would enjoy the fruits of their new-found freedom. To assist them in these chal¬lenges, hundreds of Indonesians - teachers, scientists, doctors and nurses and civilian administrators - joined in the effort of UNTEA. From the outset, Indonesia had actively assisted UNTEA in the opening of new schools and public projects in the territory, such as scientific and agricultural projects. Remote areas of West Papua received special attention from the Indonesian Government. What was particularly heartening was that the population of the island voiced its enthusiasm by wholeheartedly participating in the nation-building process. Also noteworthy, was that a few hours after the UNTEA departed, the Indonesian Government appointed a native son of West Papua to the high office of Governor of the province. Such an appointment was more than what was called for in the Agreement, namely, to accelerate the participation of the people in the local government.

Lake Kabori

Lake Kabori

Stretching out with a beautiful panorama, it is a wonderful place for fresh water fishing; like goldfish, mujair (a kind of fresh water fish), and fresh water cat fish. Situated 20 kilometres from Manokwari town, this lake is easily reached.

The New York Agreement: Legal Basis to Restore West Papua Into the Republic of Indonesia (Part 1)

As far as Indonesia was concerned, West Papua was legally and constitutionally a part of the Netherlands East Indies. It is also an indisputable fact that the core of the Indonesian freedom struggle during the years 1945-1949 was independence for all of its people on the entire Indonesian archipelago comprising all of its islands. Proceeding from this basic premise, Indonesia viewed West Papua as an integral part of its territory that was forcefully occupied by the Dutch colonial authorities.

The Political Status of West Papua (Part 8)

Meanwhile, in 1960, diplomatic relations between the two countries were broken after the Netherlands’ dispatch of its aircraft carrier to New Guinea waters in order to safeguard its on-going preparations for internal self-government in West Guinea. In response to such maneuvers, the Indonesian Government adopted a more assertive policy outlining a possible military take-over of the occupied territory by announcing the “In Komando Rakyat” (People’s Triple Command) i.e.;

1. to thwart the formation of a puppet state of Papua by the colonial power;
2. to raise the Indonesian Red and White flag in West Irian; and
3. to prepare a general mobilization to defend national inde¬pendence and unity;

Kaimana at dusk

Kaimana is a small port town in West Papua, Indonesia and capital of the Kaimana Regency. It is served by Kaimana Airport. Kaimana is part of a Sea Conservation Area in West Papua. Butterflies in the surrounding forest of Karora are reported to be on the brink of extinction due to logging in the district.

Prehistoric Village Found in Jayapura

Amazing finding in West Papua, Indonesia  (translated from Kompas.Com)

Editor: Benny N Joewono
Thursday, 3 March 2011 | 22:17 WIB

JAYAPURA, KOMPAS.com — Research team of Jayapura Archaeological Foundation has discovered a prehistoric settlement on Yomokho hill, Kampung Harapan, Eastern District of Sentani, Jayapura.

Research leader, Hari Suroto, in Jayapura on Thursday (03/03/2011), said the research had been conducted since 28 February to 2 March 2011, using the excavation method (echo) of land to identify potential archaeological findings in the soil.

The Beauty of Amban Beach

Facing the Pacific Ocean, having a wave altitude of 2 meters most of the time, this beach is perfect for water skiing and wind surfing. Located five kilometres from Manokwari town, this beach is easily accessible by all manner of transport.

The Political Status of West Papua (Part 7)

It was against the backdrop of the aforementioned developments and the refusal of the Dutch to   enter into negotiations thereafter that the Indonesian Government deemed it necessary to bring this matter to the General Assembly at its ninth session in 1954. After full consideration of the matter, the First Committee adopted by a two-third majority vote resolution A!C.1/760 which was thereafter submitted to the General Assembly. Regrettably, the General Assembly failed to adopt the resolution despite the support of many member States.

In April 1955, the Asian-African Conference, convened in Bandung and attended by 29 countries, representing two thirds of the world’s population, adopted the following resolution: