More than 10 years after the implementation of special autonomy, the pros and cons on the issue of Papua and West Papua continues, particularly in relation to political issues of independence versus integration. In order to explain the objective situation in Papua and West Papua, a group of Papuan traditional leaders lobbied to Europe. Read more…
Dear Chairman,
As promised during the general discussions on Papua on December 22nd 2011 I herewith send you further information on the situation in Papua with a focus on the events that happened in Paniai. Read more…
Speech of Hans van Baalen (Member of the Dutch House of Representatives from The People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy – VVD) in Jakarta, 20 Oktober 2005:
“Let me therefore, set the record straight. The Republic of Indonesia is the single heir to the Dutch East Indies. The Republic is the legal successor of the Dutch East Indies which was united under Dutch colonial rule. All parts of the Dutch East Indies form therefore an integral of the Republic. This has been fully established under international law. Therefore, it is up to the people of Indonesia themselves to decide through their democratic institutions in which way their territorial sovereignty should be administered. Decentralisation and regional autonomy are an internal matter of Indonesia… Read more…
2504 (XXIV). Agreement between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning West New Guinea (West Irian)
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolution 1752 (XVII) of 21 September 1962, in which it took note of the Agreement of 15 August 1962 between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning West New Guinea (West Irian), (4) acknowledged the role role conferred upon the Secretary-General in the Agreement and authorized him to carry out the tasks entrusted to him therein,
Recalling also its decision of 6 November 1963 (5) to take note of the report of the Secretary-General (6) on the completion of the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority in West Irian,
Recalling further that the arrangements for the act of free choice were the responsibility of Indonesia with the advice, assistance and participation of a special representative of the Secretary-General, as stipulated in the Agreement,
Having received the report on the conduct and results of the act of free choice7 submitted by the Secretary-General in accordance with article XXI, paragraph 1, of the Agreement,
Bearing in mind that, in accordance with article XXI, paragraph 2, both parties to the Agreement have recognized these results and abide by them,
Noting that the Government of Indonesia, in implementing its national development plan, is giving special attention to the progress of West Irian, bearing in mind the specific conditions of its population, and that the Government of the Netherlands, in close cooperation with the Government of Indonesia, will continue to render financial assistance for this purpose, in particular through the Asian Development Bank and the institutions of the United Nations,
1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General and acknowledges with appreciation the fulfillment by the Secretary-General and his representatives of the tasks entrusted to them under the Agreement of 15 August 1962 between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning West New Guinea (West Irian);
2. Appreciates any assistance provided through the Asian Development Bank, through institutions of the United Nations or through other means to the Government of Indonesia in its efforts to promote the economic and social development of West Irian.
1813th plenary meeting,
19 November 1969
Historical background
The territory of West New Guinea (West Irian) had been in the possession of the Netherlands since 1828. When the Netherlands formally recognized the sovereign independence of Indonesia in 1949, the status of West Irian remained unresolved. It was agreed in the Charter of Transfer of Sovereignty C concluded between the Netherlands and Indonesia at The Hague, Netherlands, in November 1949 C that the issue would be postponed for a year, and that “the status quo of the presidency of New Guinea” would be “maintained under the Government of the Netherlands” in the mean time. The ambiguity of the language, however, led the Netherlands to consider itself the sovereign Power in West New Guinea, since this would be a continuation of the “status quo”. Indonesia, on the other hand, interpreted the Dutch role there to be strictly administrative, with the implication that West Irian would be incorporated into Indonesia after a year. Read more…
