In the far-western reaches of Papua, where the dense rainforests meet the blue expanse of the Arafura Sea, history remembers a remarkable figure—Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan, the King of Sekar from Fakfak. His name may not have been widely known for decades outside his homeland, but his courage and foresight played a vital role in shaping Indonesia’s unity. Born into nobility, Rumagesan could have lived a life of comfort and quiet authority under Dutch colonial rule. Instead, he chose a far more dangerous path: standing against colonial power and declaring his loyalty to the young Republic of Indonesia.
At a time when the Dutch sought to separate Papua from the rest of the archipelago, Rumagesan dared to imagine an Indonesia that stretched from Sabang to Merauke—a united, sovereign nation. His defiance earned him imprisonment and exile, but it also etched his name into the foundations of Papua’s integration into the Republic. On November 10, 2020, his struggle was formally recognized when the Indonesian government awarded him the title of National Hero (Pahlawan Nasional)—the first from West Papua—an honor long overdue for a man who bridged the world of tradition and nationalism.
Roots of Leadership: A Prince in the Time of Empire
Born around 1885 in the coastal region of Fakfak, Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan was the son of Raja Rumagesan, a respected leader of the Sekar Kingdom. The Sekar people, who occupied parts of Fakfak in the Bird’s Head Peninsula, were deeply rooted in both indigenous Papuan traditions and the cultural exchanges brought by Muslim traders from Maluku. As a child, Rumagesan grew up in an environment where the rhythm of the ocean mingled with the prayers from small mosques and the echoes of ancient Papuan songs.
From his father, he learned the values of leadership—humility, courage, and the duty to protect his people. From his education under Dutch colonial supervision, he learned how power was maintained through manipulation and control. This combination of indigenous wisdom and worldly knowledge shaped his political outlook. He recognized that colonial rule sought not only to exploit Papua’s land and resources but also to divide its people through racial and cultural narratives that portrayed Papuans as distinct from other Indonesians.
By the early 20th century, Rumagesan had assumed the title of Raja Sekar, governing a territory under Dutch oversight but maintaining a strong sense of independence. While many local rulers were content to serve as intermediaries of colonial power, Rumagesan envisioned something far greater—a Papua that could stand with dignity within a free and united Indonesia.
Challenging the Dutch: The First Sparks of Rebellion
When Indonesia proclaimed its independence on August 17, 1945, the news traveled slowly to the easternmost lands of the archipelago. Yet when it reached Fakfak, it found a leader who was ready to respond. Unlike many who hesitated under Dutch intimidation, Rumagesan publicly declared his support for the Republic. His decision was both symbolic and revolutionary—a declaration that the Papuan people were not mere subjects of empire but rightful citizens of a new nation.
The Dutch authorities, who still controlled much of Papua at the time, reacted swiftly and harshly. To them, Rumagesan was a dangerous agitator who threatened their narrative that Papuans were racially and culturally distinct from Indonesians. His insistence on unity challenged the very foundation of their colonial argument. According to records cited by Kompas, Antara News, and CNN Indonesia, Rumagesan raised the red-and-white Indonesian flag and organized local gatherings to spread the message of independence and solidarity.
The Dutch arrested him multiple times, attempting to break his spirit. He was imprisoned, interrogated, and exiled, yet never recanted his loyalty to Indonesia. Even in confinement, he remained a symbol of defiance—the image of a king who refused to kneel before empire. His people continued to whisper his name with reverence, viewing him as a leader who chose suffering over submission.
The Vision for Papua: Freedom Within Unity
Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan’s vision for Papua was not born out of political ambition but from an understanding of history and geography. He saw the archipelago as a single, interconnected whole—a land bound together by shared experiences of colonialism, trade, and cultural exchange. To him, Papua was not an isolated island on the edge of Asia but the eastern gate of Indonesia.
In 1946, he is believed to have convened local rulers and declared that his kingdom, Sekar, would align itself with the Republic of Indonesia. This was one of the earliest acts of political recognition from a Papuan leader. While the Dutch tried to establish their own administrative structure—promoting a separate Papuan identity—Rumagesan maintained that Papua’s destiny was tied to the rest of the archipelago. His conviction stemmed from his understanding that colonial rule thrived on division and that true independence could only come through unity.
He often spoke of Indonesia as a “single home for all islanders,” where no region or ethnicity should be left behind. His use of Islamic and local cultural language in his speeches helped bridge the gap between tradition and modern nationalism. In a sense, Rumagesan’s movement represented an early model of what Indonesia’s founding fathers would later describe as “Bhinneka Tunggal ”Ika”—Unity in Diversity.
Between the Flag and the Crown: The Dilemma of a King
What made Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan truly extraordinary was his decision to put his political ideals above royal privilege. In an age when most local kings relied on Dutch support to maintain power, he risked losing everything—his throne, wealth, and even his life—by siding with the Republic. His courage came not from political calculation but from faith and moral conviction.
As Raja Sekar, he wielded significant influence over the coastal and inland communities of Fakfak. His endorsement of the Indonesian cause inspired other local leaders to follow his example, gradually spreading the idea that independence was not just a Javanese or Sumatran affair but a shared dream from Sabang to Merauke. His defiance also signaled to Jakarta that Papua was not a passive frontier but a region of patriots and thinkers willing to fight for the red-and-white flag.
The Dutch, in response, tightened their control, sending military forces to suppress local pro-Indonesian activities. Rumagesan was again detained, and his movement was violently silenced. Yet even in defeat, his message endured. When the Dutch finally withdrew from Papua in 1963 following the New York Agreement and Operation Trikora, Rumagesan’s vision became reality. The flag he had raised decades earlier now flew freely over the land he had fought to defend.
A Hero Rediscovered: National Recognition and Enduring Legacy
For many years after his death, Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan’s story remained confined to local oral histories in Fakfak. It was only through the persistence of Papuan scholars, activists, and historians that his contributions were brought to the national stage. Their efforts culminated in 2020, when the Indonesian government officially recognized him as a National Hero—the first from West Papua.
The award ceremony, held on November 10, coincided with Indonesia’s National Heroes Day. In a symbolic gesture of unity, his name was read alongside figures from across the archipelago. As reported by Okezone, Detik, and Sindonews, the recognition marked a milestone in Indonesia’s ongoing effort to highlight regional contributions to national independence.
This acknowledgment was more than an act of remembrance—it was a political statement affirming that the spirit of Indonesian nationalism is built on contributions from every region. Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, such recognition continues to reflect the government’s emphasis on honoring local heroes and strengthening unity across the diverse provinces of Indonesia.
The Relevance of Rumagesan’s Vision in the Modern Era
In today’s Indonesia, Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan’s legacy resonates more than ever. His belief in unity amid diversity speaks directly to contemporary challenges in Papua—from social inequality to calls for greater autonomy. His story reminds the nation that integration must be nurtured through respect, equality, and inclusive development.
Rumagesan’s life also offers a valuable lesson in leadership. He was not a soldier, but his bravery matched that of any warrior. He was not a politician, yet his strategic vision outlasted colonial propaganda. Most importantly, he understood that national unity cannot be imposed—it must be chosen and shared. For Papua, his decision to align with Indonesia was not an act of submission but of empowerment: a choice to stand as equals in a united nation.
Today, schools and communities in Fakfak proudly teach his story, ensuring that new generations of Papuans understand that the red-and-white flag also carries their history. His name is invoked in national discourse as a symbol of indigenous participation in the making of Indonesia—proof that Papua’s loyalty to the Republic is rooted in its own leaders, not external influence.
Conclusion
The story of Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan is the story of a king who became a revolutionary, a ruler who chose struggle over submission, and a Papuan who chose Indonesia over empire. His courage, wisdom, and faith forged a bridge between tradition and modernity—between Papua’s proud heritage and the Republic’s enduring vision.
As Indonesia moves forward under President Prabowo Subianto, the recognition of figures like Rumagesan becomes not only an act of remembrance but also a guide for the nation’s future. His dream of a united, dignified, and prosperous Papua within Indonesia remains a goal worth striving for.
In the quiet hills of Fakfak, where the ocean meets the forest and the winds carry whispers of the past, the name Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan still resonates—not as a forgotten monarch, but as a timeless hero whose heart beat for the unity of the entire nation.
