Tasya Kanath | Papuan Observer
Papua has been born as the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. This historical fact can be traced from a number of historical records and historical actors who fought to defend the Republic of Indonesia from the land of Papua.
They are historical witnesses that in the past, Papuan nationalism has flared up following in the footsteps of freedom fighters in other parts of Indonesia, against the Dutch colonizers from Bumi Nusantara.
With more or less the same mode, the Papuan Nationalists combined their spirit of struggle to free Irian from the grip of the Dutch colonialists.
Nationalism was born in the City of NICA-Holandia (now Jayapura) in a civil service institute that was founded by the Netherlands in 1944 under the name “PAPUA BESTUUR SCHOOL”.
The institution was established to fill the vacancies of Dutch government officials in New Guinea (Papua). Because the Dutch lacked many personnel due to the Japanese invasion of Indonesia in 1942-1945.
This institution educates around 400 youths from various tribes and regions in Papua. Among them are Silas Papare, Frans Kaisiepo, Albert Karubuy, Marthen Indey, Johans Ariks, Sugoro Atmoprasojo, Lodewijk, Barent Mandatjan, Samuel Damianus Kawab and Joseph Djohari.
The presence of this institution has colored the political consciousness of the Papuan people. From this institution they easily followed all developments in the political situation throughout the archipelago.
Frans Kaiseipo, Silas Papare and their supporters were inspired to take part in the struggle to liberate the land of Papua from the Dutch colonialists, as happened in Java, Sumatra and others.
So secretly, the course participants often held closed meetings, essentially opposing the Dutch occupation of Papua and wanting to unite with the Republic of Indonesia.
They feel free to discuss anything concerning the future interests of the region and their views and choices.
They then formed a representative council under the leadership of Sugoro Admoprasojo with members, including Frans Kaiseipo, Marthen Indey, Silas Papare, G. Saweri, Samuel Damianus Kawab and other friends.
Frans Kaiseipo disagreed with the signboard that read “Papua Bestuur School”. He ordered Markus Kaiseipo, his brother, to replace the nameplate “Papua Bestuur School” to “Irian Bestuur School”.
With political awareness and a group of educated youths, Silas Papare and his group returned to their hometown in Serui.
Indonesian nationalism has changed the way the Papuan intellectuals think at that time. As one nation, the people of Indonesia, including Papua, do not only have the same opportunity to develop Papua
In 1946, Silas Papare founded PKII (Irian Indonesian Independence Party). A year later, on August 17, 1947, to be precise, Silas Papare and his group, including Albert Karubuy, Marthen Indey, Johans Ariks, Lodewijk, Barent Mandatjan, Samuel Damianus Kawab, Joseph Djohari and their supporters held a red and white flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the Day. Indonesian independence. Silas Papare, presided over the ceremony.
As a result of this action, all ceremony participants, had to be detained by the Dutch Police, for more than three months.
Lagerberg (1979), noted that PKII (Indonesian Independence Party Irian), received support from various circles in Irian, support also came from the people of Sorong, Manokwari and Biak.
As PKII chairman, Silas Papare, was of the opinion that historically Papua was inseparable from Indonesia. Silas Papare relentlessly fought for the Principle.
He argued that prior to the Proclamation of Indonesia, Papua was part of the Dutch East Indies, but after the Proclamation, Indonesia had fought for Papua and Papua fought alongside Indonesia.
Meanwhile, in Biak, Frans Kaiseipo, initiated the establishment of the PIM (Free Indonesia Party) in 1946.
He gathered strength in Biak to oppose the Dutch presence there.
Frans Kaiseipo was involved in the Malino Conference in 1946, which discussed the formation of the United Republic of Indonesia, as the representative of Papua.
He also firmly refused his appointment as a member of the Dutch delegation at the Round Table Conference (KMB) held in The Hague, Netherlands.
Frans Kaiseipo’s tough attitude made the Dutch then exiled him to a remote place.
Silas Papare and Frans Kaiseipo, are Nationalist representatives who are aware of the importance of Indonesian independence for Papua.
The two figures and their supporters hoped that together with Indonesia, Papua would be freed from colonialism and imperialism. By accepting the fact that Indonesia consists of various tribes and religions.
Silas Papare and Frans Kaiseipo, have taught the values of Unity in Diversity for Papuans. Bhineka Tunggal Ika, for Papuans, is not only for the sake of expelling the colonial nation from the land of Papua, but also for building a more advanced and prosperous Papua.
They also have the opportunity to occupy higher government positions, which were not obtained during the Dutch Government.
