"One people, one soul" : West Papuan nationalism and the Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM)/Free Papua Movement
Date
2000
Authors
Ondawame, Otto
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Abstract
Indonesian colonisation of West Papua and the lack of a democratic
tradition have been the main root causes of the current political problems in
this area, triggering the emergence of an increasingly strong Papuan
nationalism that finds its expression in a resistance movement, led by the
OPM, seeking self-determination and independence. These problems have
continued over many years, having serious social, political, economic, and
environmental effects for West Papua but, despite the widespread local
resistance, the OPM has so far been unable to end the colonial domination
and practices.
This study analyses the impact of Indonesian colonisation on the
people of West Papua and their reactions to it. It investigates how different
views about the political status of West Papua are also reflected in views
about the future of the Papuans. In doing so, it draws heavily on the often
neglected perspectives of the West Papuan people. The main purpose is to
affirm that, as the Indonesian colonisation policies have been the main root
cause of the conflict, any approaches to ending the conflict must encompass
a political solution and not merely temporary economic and social
measures.
The West Papuan conflict is analysed in the light of current theories
relating to colonialism and to a range of approaches to conflict resolution.
After reflecting on the history of the national liberation struggle, focusing
on the strengths and weaknesses of the conflicting parties, and on the
balance of power and the role of international support, it is concluded that
military victory by either side can only be a utopian dream. As the level of conflict can increase and intensify in the future, a new alternative approach is needed to start the peace process.
The empirical findings of this study show the extent to which
colonisation has produced the bitter political conflict which threatens
regional stability and security. The study also reaffirms that since national
sentiments continue to strengthen, any end to the conflict is unlikely in the
near future. Despite the relative strength of the Indonesian military forces
and the lack of significant international support for the OPM, the struggle
will continue in the future. By examining in detail the leadership,
organisational structures and general programs of the OPM, it is concluded
that the movement is seriously weakened by its factionalised organisation.
The responses of the Indonesian government to the conflict by presenting
social and military reform packages are also doomed to failure. The study
concludes with a summary of the main findings in relation to the
determined demands of West Papuans for independence and explores some
possible strategies for achieving this in the future. To gain a clearer picture of the relationship between the local effects of
colonisation and ethnic nationalism in relation to wider Papuan
nationalism and how those concepts have influenced the current situation
in West Papua and the more local reactions, a detailed case study of the
Amungme-Kamoro people in relation to Freeport and the colonial
government in Mimika regency has been presented. Despite there is a clear
relationship, yet the level of success has been more evident at the local level than nationally, for obvious reasons.
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DOI
10.25911/5d77834624260