Internationally, May 1st is widely recognized as International Workers’ Day—a time to honor workers and their contributions to national economies and society. In Indonesia, however, the date holds a dual significance. Beyond celebrating labor rights, May 1st marks a critical moment in Indonesian history: the return of Papua to the Republic of Indonesia.
Papua as Part of the Dutch East Indies
The Dutch first arrived in Papua—the world’s second-largest island—in 1606, when the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie/VOC (United East India Company) under Dutch navigator Captain William Jasz led an expedition to the Digoel River estuary on the southern coast of Papua. This venture was part of the Dutch effort to secure spice trade routes in the Maluku Islands. In 1616, Dutch sailors Jacob le Maire and Willem Schouten continued Dutch explorations along Papua’s northern coast, later known as the Schouten Islands (Biak Islands). By 1623, Jan Cartensz, another Dutch explorer, sailed along the southern Arafura Sea and observed from a distance the snow-capped peak now known as Puncak Jaya (formerly Cartensz Peak).
Following these explorations, the Dutch in 1660 established an agreement with the Sultan of Tidore in Maluku, declaring that no other European power besides the Dutch could enter Papua (New Guinea). In 1901, the Dutch formally acquired sovereignty over Papua from the Sultan of Tidore, incorporating it into the Dutch East Indies along with Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku. This move was prompted by Dutch concerns over the growing presence of British and German colonial powers on the eastern side of Papua.
Papua’s Integration into Indonesian Sovereignty
After Indonesia proclaimed its independence from the Netherlands in 1945, diplomatic negotiations—including the 1949 Round Table Conference/RTC (Konferensi Meja Bundar/KMB) in The Hague—were held to resolve the political conflict. As a result of the RTC Agreement, the Netherlands recognized Indonesian independence and agreed to transfer all territories of the former Dutch East Indies to Indonesia, with the exception of Western New Guinea (Papua), citing perceived ethnic and cultural differences between Papuans and the majority of Indonesians. The agreement stipulated that the issue of Papua’s status would be resolved within one year.
The Dutch insistence on retaining Papua—culminating in the unilateral declaration of a puppet state of “West Papua” on December 1, 1961—triggered military tensions with Indonesia. In response, President Sukarno launched the People’s Triple Command (Tri Komando Rakyat/Trikora) on December 19, 1961, aiming to reclaim Papua from Dutch control.
As military conflict escalated, the United States and the United Nations intervened to mediate peace between the two nations. This led to the signing of the New York Agreement on August 15, 1962. The Indonesian delegation to the negotiations, led by Foreign Minister Subandrio, included 11 members, six of whom were indigenous Papuan representatives: J.A. Dimara, M. Indey, Albert Karubuy, Frits Kirihio, Silas Papare, and Efraim Somisu.
Under the New York Agreement, administrative authority over Western New Guinea was transferred from the Netherlands to the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) starting October 1, 1962. The Indonesian flag was raised alongside the UN flag beginning December 31, 1962. On May 1, 1963, UNTEA formally handed over administration of Papua to Indonesia—a date now commemorated as Papua’s “Day of Return.”
As stipulated by the New York Agreement, Indonesia was required to conduct a referendum, known as the “Act of Free Choice” (PEPERA), by no later than 1969. Held between July 14 and August 2, 1969, this referendum saw 1,026 Papuan representatives—selected to represent the region’s population of over 800,000—unanimously vote in favor of remaining part of Indonesia. The United Nations General Assembly subsequently recognized the results through Resolution 2504 (XXIV) on November 19, 1969, with 82 countries in favor, 30 abstaining, and none opposing.
The False Narrative of “Papuan Annexation” by the Free Papua Movement
Despite these facts, the Free Papua Movement (OPM) continues to reject Papua’s integration into Indonesia, referring to May 1st, 1963, as a day of “annexation” and colonial occupation. Through propaganda campaigns, the OPM persistently attempts to delegitimize both the New York Agreement and the implementation of PEPERA, seeking to influence public opinion within Papua and abroad.
In addition to their information campaigns, OPM-affiliated groups have committed acts of violence against government officials, security personnel, and civilians in Papua in pursuit of establishing a separatist state resembling the short-lived declaration of “West Papua” on December 1, 1961. Nevertheless, the movement has failed to garner widespread support, either domestically or internationally.
The majority of Papuans today continue to choose unity with Indonesia, and the global community—through the United Nations and its member states—recognizes Indonesia’s sovereignty over Papua as lawful under international law. As stated by respected Papuan figures such as Max Ohee and Ali Kabiay, May 1st should not be viewed through the lens of colonization but rather as the culmination of a legitimate political and legal process that restored Papua to the fold of the Indonesian nation.
Conclusion
The return of Papua to Indonesia on May 1st, 1963, was not an act of annexation but rather a legitimate and internationally recognized process of decolonization and integration. Rooted in historical ties, reinforced by diplomatic negotiations, and formalized through the New York Agreement, Papua’s transition from Dutch to Indonesian administration was conducted under the supervision of the United Nations. The subsequent Act of Free Choice (PEPERA) in 1969, though often debated, was recognized by the UN General Assembly and remains a cornerstone of Indonesia’s lawful sovereignty over the region.
Despite ongoing propaganda from separatist groups like the Free Papua Movement (OPM), the legal and political foundations of Papua’s integration into Indonesia are strong and widely acknowledged. Moreover, the participation of indigenous Papuan leaders in diplomatic processes and the growing presence of Papuan voices within Indonesian governance reflect a broader national commitment to inclusivity and unity.
May 1st should therefore be commemorated not as a day of colonization, but as a day that marks the fulfillment of Indonesia’s post-colonial identity and the reaffirmation of its national integrity. It is a day to celebrate unity in diversity and to continue building a just, peaceful, and inclusive Papua within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia.
