The history of West Papua’s integration into Indonesia

Papua: One People One Soul – Indonesia. Sumber: antaranews.com

The history of West Papua’s integration into Indonesia has long been a topic of geopolitical discussion, often clouded by controversy and competing narratives. From Indonesia’s perspective, the inclusion of West Papua — comprising the present-day provinces of Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and West Papua — represents a legitimate continuation of the nation’s decolonization process and its territorial unity following independence from Dutch colonial rule.

This article outlines the historical milestones that underpin Indonesia’s position and sovereignty over West Papua.

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1. Colonial Legacy: Dutch East Indies and the Division of New Guinea

During the colonial era, what is now Indonesia was known as the Dutch East Indies, encompassing a vast archipelago including Papua’s western half. While most of the Dutch East Indies gained independence as Indonesia in 1945 (formally recognized by the Dutch in 1949), the Netherlands retained control of Western New Guinea, arguing it was ethnically and geographically distinct.

However, from Indonesia’s point of view, West Papua was always an integral part of the territory it sought to liberate from colonialism. This position was clearly expressed in the 1945 Proclamation of Independence and reaffirmed in various diplomatic efforts throughout the 1950s.

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2. The New York Agreement (1962): A Diplomatic Milestone

Amid growing tensions between Indonesia and the Netherlands, the matter was brought to international attention. With support from the United States and the United Nations, a diplomatic solution was reached through the New York Agreement signed on August 15, 1962.

Key elements of the agreement included:

• The Netherlands would transfer administrative control of West New Guinea to the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA).
• UNTEA would then transfer control to Indonesia by May 1, 1963.
• A “Act of Free Choice” (self-determination process) would be held before the end of 1969, allowing Papuans to decide their political future.

This agreement formed the legal and diplomatic basis for West Papua’s integration into Indonesia, and was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 2504 (1969).

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3. The Act of Free Choice (1969)

In accordance with the New York Agreement, Indonesia conducted the Act of Free Choice (Pepera) in 1969. Although it did not involve a one-person-one-vote system, 1,026 Papuan representatives were selected through local consultations to vote on behalf of their regions. The result was a unanimous choice for integration with Indonesia.

The United Nations acknowledged the process in Resolution 2504, thereby recognizing Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua. From Indonesia’s viewpoint, this confirmed the final stage of decolonization and solidified West Papua’s status as part of the Republic.

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4. Special Autonomy and Development Policies

Since integration, the Indonesian government has pursued various policies aimed at addressing the unique challenges and aspirations of the Papuan people. In 2001, Indonesia enacted the Special Autonomy Law for Papua, providing the region with enhanced authority over education, health, culture, and economic development. This was revised in 2021 (Law No. 2/2021) to increase fiscal transfers and local political representation for indigenous Papuans.

The division of Papua into new provinces in 2022 (South Papua, Central Papua, and Highland Papua) is viewed by Jakarta as a measure to bring governance closer to communities and accelerate development in remote areas.

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5. Indonesia’s Stance on Sovereignty and National Unity

From Indonesia’s perspective, West Papua is an inseparable part of its national territory, rooted in the shared struggle against colonialism and legitimized through international law and agreements. Successive governments have consistently emphasized that while differences exist in culture and geography, the people of Papua are full citizens of the Republic with equal rights and responsibilities.

Indonesia continues to reject international calls for Papuan independence or re-referendums, maintaining that the matter was settled diplomatically and legally in the 1960s. Instead, the government advocates for solutions focused on inclusive development, infrastructure, indigenous empowerment, and respect for human rights.

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Conclusion

The history of West Papua’s integration into Indonesia is deeply embedded in the broader narrative of decolonization and national unity. Through the New York Agreement, the Act of Free Choice, and subsequent UN recognition, Indonesia maintains that its sovereignty over West Papua is both lawful and final.

While legitimate concerns remain regarding development, governance, and justice in the region, the Indonesian government has made significant efforts to address these through democratic, developmental, and inclusive policies — rather than revisiting sovereignty disputes long settled under international law.

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References:

• United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2504 (XXIV), 1969
• New York Agreement between Indonesia and the Netherlands, 1962
• Indonesian Law No. 21 of 2001 on Special Autonomy for Papua
• Indonesian Law No. 2 of 2021 (Revised Autonomy Law for Papua)
• Bappenas (2022). Papua Development Plan 2020–2024