Why did the UN give West Papua to Indonesia?
The Indonesian government wanted all of the former Dutch colonies in the Asia-Pacific region and the Indonesian military soon invaded West Papua. It was the height of the Cold War and the US government was worried that Indonesia seeking Soviet Union support might increase the spread of communism in South East Asia.
What is Indonesia doing to West Papua?
The government sought jail terms of up to 17 years for the individuals, some of whom belong to the key pacifist Papuan pro-independence organization, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua. In 2020, an Indonesian court sentenced them to up to 11 months in prison for treason.
What was Papua previously known as?
The province was formerly called Irian Jaya and comprised the entire Western New Guinea until the inauguration of the province of West Papua (then West Irian Jaya) in 2001. In 2002, Papua adopted its current name and was granted a special autonomous status under Indonesian legislation.
How did Indonesia get half of New Guinea?
Following its proclamation of independence in 1945, the Republic of Indonesia took over all the former territories of the Dutch East Indies, including Western New Guinea. Both provinces were granted special autonomous status by the Indonesian legislation.
Does West Papua have its own government?
Independence leader Benny Wenda announced the formation of the Provisional Government of West Papua on 1 December 2020. The now president of the provisional government further set out in a statement that the body would “begin implementing our own constitution and reclaiming our sovereign land”.
Why did Indonesia invade East Timor?
John Taylor writes that Indonesia invaded for three main reasons: (1) to avoid the “negative example” of an independent province, (2) to have access to the high initial estimates of oil and natural gas under the Timor Sea (initial estimates which turned out to be largely mistaken), and (3) following the fall of South …
Why does Indonesia have half of New Guinea?
While the Netherlands had ceded sovereignty to Indonesia on 27 December 1949 following an independence struggle, the Indonesian government had always claimed the Dutch-controlled half of New Guinea on the basis that it had belonged to the Dutch East Indies and that the new Republic of Indonesia was the legitimate …
When did Indonesia invade New Guinea?
In 1984, after Indonesia deployed widespread military action and seized traditionally owned land for transmigration sites, more than 10,000 West Papuans crossed the border to seek refuge in Papua New Guinea.
When did Papua become part of Indonesia?
Following the referendum in 1969, the territory was formally integrated into Indonesia. Instead of 816,000 Papuans, only 1,022 Papuan tribal representatives were allowed to vote and all of these were coerced into voting in favour of integration.
Should West Papua form an independent country from Indonesia?
On one side of the border is independent Papua New Guinea and on the other is the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, collectively known as West Papua by independence activists. West Papuan independence activists say the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua should form an independent nation free of Indonesia.
Is Indonesia’s democracy making progress?
Since the 1998 overthrow of H. Muhammad Suharto’s dictatorship, the country has cut its poverty rate in half, and its per capita gross domestic product now exceeds $3,500. And despite the weight of decades of dictatorial rule, post-Suharto Indonesia has made steady progress toward becoming a full and functioning democracy.
Why is Indonesia clamping down on Papua?
Indonesia Clamps Down on Simmering Independence Effort in Papua. Image. A Papuan activist during a rally in Jakarta, Indonesia, last year. Indonesia, despite its transition in 1999 to democracy from authoritarian rule, continues to be criticized for the plight of its easternmost provinces of Papua and West Papua.
What is the border between New Guinea and Indonesia?
The island of New Guinea is divided by a line. On one side of the border is independent Papua New Guinea and on the other is the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, collectively known as West Papua by independence activists.