The Historical Controversy Surrounding Indonesian Control of West Papua
West Papua, also known as Papua or Papua Intung, is a region that has been a subject of historical and political dispute. Currently, Indonesia controls the western half of the island, whereas the eastern half is an independent nation known as Papua New Guinea. This control is not without controversy and is deeply rooted in colonial history and geopolitical considerations.
Colonial History
During the era of European colonialism, New Guinea was divided between several colonial powers. The Dutch colonized the western part, which included the region known as West Papua. While the eastern part became a territory of Australia, the Dutch retained control over West New Guinea.
Indonesia, which gained independence from Dutch colonial rule in the late 1940s, initially did not include West Papua within its borders. However, tensions emerged between Indonesia and the Netherlands over the status of West New Guinea. This led to a diplomatic agreement, the New York Agreement, in 1962, which paved the way for Indonesia's control of the territory.
Independence and Integration
The integration of West Papua into Indonesia was further solidified through a process known as the Act of Free Choice in 1969. This process was criticized as being flawed and highly coercive, as it involved only a small number of selected representatives rather than a general vote. This led to the region being formally integrated into Indonesia as the provinces of Papua and West Papua.
Geopolitical Considerations
West Papua's control by Indonesia is influenced by broader geopolitical factors. These include the protection of national sovereignty, maintaining territorial integrity, and the prevention of separatist movements. These considerations have played a significant role in shaping Indonesia's political and strategic landscape regarding the region.
Controversial Historical Context
A detailed look into the historical context reveals that the control over West Papua was not as straightforward as it initially seems. The founding fathers of Indonesia had discussions about border relations, including whether to include Malaya and West Papua within the newly independent nation.
During this time, Indonesia's founding fathers generally agreed to include regions under Dutch control, with one notable exception: Mohammad Hatta, who strongly opposed the inclusion of West Papua. However, Hatta's influence diminished after he resigned, and Indonesia's President Soekarno pushed for the inclusion of West Papua, unaware that this would further cement his own role as a former colonial figure.
The U.S. government also played a strategic role in this context. Recognizing valuable resources in West Papua, a U.S. company sought to exploit the conflict between Indonesia and the Dutch to gain control over these resources. They quietly supported opposition groups, leading to complex political maneuvers.
The historical dispute over West Papua remains a contentious issue, especially when considering alternative scenarios where different historical paths might have been taken. For instance, Mohammad Hatta's presidency could have led to a different outcome, with West Papua potentially remaining under Dutch control or becoming an independent state within the United States of Indonesia.
Conclusion
Controlling West Papua is a complex issue deeply rooted in both colonial and post-colonial histories. The geopolitical landscape of Indonesia and the broader regional dynamics play significant roles in shaping this control. Understanding the historical context sheds light on the current situation and the various factors influencing Indonesia's governance over the region.