West Papua Information Kit

News Film Scripts

Long forgotten news films about West Papua documenting its preparations for and election of the New Guinea Council in 1961, the Papuan protests against Indonesian colonial ambitions to grab Papua, and footage of some of the shameful 'Act of Free Choice' showing Papuans behind barb wire while Javanese settlers hold signs demanding Papua be part of Indonesia are some of the films which still exist.

Below is a collection of the voice-over scripts from thirty or so films.

REF: BP171040129430

17/10/1940

GUINEA GOLD

View this story

Duration:  01 mins 21 secs
Black & White with Sound

Mud and stones are dredged for gold in New Guinea.

New Guinea gold.

L/S of valley in New Guinea, mud is dredged for gold, various shots of the plant. M/S of the stones on the conveyor belt. M/S of the powerhouse. Various shots as the gold nuggets are sorted. Water flows through. Various shots of the gold nuggets.

Group:  NEW SOUND PICTORIALS

Time in: 1:57:39:00

Time out: 1:59:00:00

Canister:  NSP 237

Film ID:  1294.30

Sort number:  NSP 237

Tape:  *PM1294*

REF: BGY502250162

17/12/1957

INDONESIA: Indonesian premier & foreign minister

Story

The Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Subandrio, who headed the Indonesia delegation during its unsuccessful bid at United Nations on the West New Guinea demand, is in daily conference with British Ambassador Dorsot McDermot, American Ambassador John Allison, Indian Ambassador G. Parthasarathi, and Consul-General of Japan, Mr. Yakagi.
The ambassadors are doing their utmost to alleviate the mounting tension between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
The Japanese Consul-General is believed to have been discussing the amount and nature of economic aid Indonesia requires within the framework of the recently finalised reparations agreement. Most Indonesian mouthpieces are highly critical of the suggestion that the Japanese may to a great extent step into the vacuum left by the out-going Dutch - shipping, for example. But Japan's geographical position vis-a-vis Indonesia places her at a considerable advantage in the manoeuvring now going on.
Our pictures show Subandrio at home with his wife a medical adviser and head of the Health Ministry's Education Section She is a prominent figure in women's organisation and one of the most influential in the country. Dr. Subandrio and his wife are speaking in Dutch, the language still used by intellectuals here, although Dutch language publications are now officially banned.
It is worth of note that Dr. Subandrio's home is not under guard - contrary to earlier reports. Only the President's is heavily guarded, in view of the recent attempt at assassination.
Premier Dr. Djuanda is most in the news at the moment, in is other roles as Minister of Defence and Chief Military Administrator. He is expected to order the Army to move against recalcitrant dock workers and members of "Most New Guinea Liberation Committee" at the ports of Tandjong Prick (Djakarta) and Surabaya. For the past four days these points have defied Djuanda's edict that they unload urgently needed cargoes e.g. rice from ??? vessels lying idle at the ports. These ports are the focus of the Army's struggle against Communism, and an Army victory would alter the situation materially.

REF: BGY503050399

01/09/1958

NETHERLANDS: Casey supports Dutch rule in Western New Guinea.

RTV

Story

Australian External Affairs Minister Richard Casey flew from London August 29 to the Hague for two days' talks with the Netherlands Foreign Minister Dr. Joseph M.A.H. Luns and Australian Ambassador H.A. McClure - Smith.

In a statement, issued at the end of the talks, Mr. Casey said Australia fully recognised and supported Dutch sovereignty over the western half of New Guinea. One purely legal grounds, Australia regarded that sovereignty as unassailable. On the wider grounds of the welfare of the inhabitants and economic advancement, the case for the maintenance of the Dutch administration seemed to be equally incontestable.

Both Ministers expressed satisfaction over their talks.

The statement is a renewal of Australia's support of the Dutch whose sovereignty over Western New Guinea is strongly disputed by the independent Republic of Indonesia, a former Dutch possession.

REF: BGY503240103

15/03/1960

50th Anniversary of Hollandia, capital of Netherlands New Guinea

Story

Hollandia, capital of Netherlands New Guinea, celebrated Mar 7 the 50th anniversary of its foundation by Captain Sachse, Royal Netherlands Indies Army.
A simple monument commemorating the anniversary was unveiled, and Governor Platteel of Netherlands New Guinea planted a tree and took part in a ceremony which included the re-enactment by an army officer and some soldiers of the hoisting of the Dutch flag by Captain Sachse and his men on 7th March, 1910. (Now a major-general, Sachse is today living in retirement at the Hague.)Captain Sachse actually landed at the spot where Hollandia now stands on 28th September, 1909. The tasks given to him included the preparation of a frontier settlement between the Dutch and the Germans, who then held the part of New Guinea now administered as a Trustee Territory by Australia; systematic exploration of the country and "the maintenance of authority as far as is necessary". He had with him four officers, 80 soldiers, 60 carriers and women and children. When, the following year, he formally named the place he had chosen, Hollandia, he formed his soldiers in a square around the flag pole and gave the order: "In the name of the Queen, hoist the flag' God grant that it will never be lowered".
The flag was lowered when the Japanese seized Hollandia in the second world war but was rehoisted when General Douglas MacArthur's forces recaptured the territory and Hollandia became for a time, General MacArthur's headquarters.

REF: BGY503280248

25/07/1960

DUTCH NEW GUINEA: Hollandia: Dutch officials compile a new voters roll

Story

Preparations for national elections in Dutch New Guinea are well under way, July 15. One of the first tasks that has to be completed is the registration of all natives entitled to a vote. District officers are at present covering the villages throughout the country in order to compile a new voters roll.
One of the first villages to be visited was Kaju Batu, near the capital Hollandia. On arrival the district officer and his assistants found the only way they could make contact with the natives was through the chief. He called them together by ringing a ball outside his hut and the business of sorting out the voters roll began.
For the native population this will be the first time they have had any say in electing their leaders. Among the qualifications for the vote are; all voters must be over 21-years-old, and not have received a prison sentence of more than a year after 1957.
The new voters roll is expected to be completed by the end of September.

REF: BGY503290149

16/08/1960

DUTCH NEW GUINEA: Hollandia: inauguration of first Papuan political party.

Story

Dutch New Guinea's first Papuan political party - "Partei National (Parna)" - held its inaugural meeting in Hollandia August 10. Finance Department official Hermanus Wajoi addressed a large crowd in the town hall.
Outlining New Guinea's history to his compatriots, Mr. Wajoi said that, at first, lawlessness was prevailing throughout the country - each tribe was "striving and fighting for its own interest". With the installation of the Dutch Government and missionaries the people were brought to realise the shortcomings in their way of life.
Mr. Wajoi said that the world looked upon the Papuans as being primitive and this must be changed. "We must be a unity, form our own state - we have frizzly heads, our skin is black but we are human beings with eyes, ears, hands and feet. "Founder of the party, Frits Kirihio, emphasized the existing racial discrimination in the country and said that the party wanted equal status between Dutch, Eurasians, Indonesians and Papuans.

REF: BGY503290338

29/08/1960

INDONESIA & OCEANIA: Hollandia: First public meeting of Papuan Democratic People's Party.

Story

Hundreds of supporters gathered in Hollandia August 24 for the first public meeting of the Papuan Democratic People's Party. Chairman of the DVP - Democratische Volkspartij - Arnold Runtomboy, opened his address: "We can glory in a tradition as our party came into existence in 1957. I may remind you of the fact that our party, then named Gerakan Persatuan, took strong measures to prevent the Dutch from complying with Indonesian claims and we cooperated with the Dutch for the independence of our country".
Talking of the inaugural meeting August 10 of "Partei National (Parna)" - another political party - Mr Runtomboy said: "Now that Parna has raised its voice we cannot stay behind; we must do our duty and come into the open. I am sure that the time will come when Parna and our party will work close together. We are heading for the same goal but Parna is galloping too fast".
Guest speaker J.O. de Rijke - a lawyer since 1952 - gave a review of New Guinea's history and an outline of the road the country had to take to reach its goal -n"complete independence". Ending his speech, Mr de Rijke said: "I trust that this Democratische Volkspartij will set an example in laboriousness and common sense".

EDITORS: PLEASE REFER TO PROD NO 5287/60 ON 'Partei National' (Parna).

Ref: BGY503300247

17/Sep/1960

DUTCH NEW GUINEA: Hollandia

Story

Hollandia, capital of Dutch New Guinea. Clustered at the foot of Mount Cyclops, it is a town with a mission. For it is here that the Dutch Government is planning the birth of an independent state of West New Guinea. Hollandia is young, it was found little over fifty years ago. And today, there is a new vigour about the town. This is a recent early Saturday morning before 7 a.m., but the handover of young charges to the kindergarten is already under way. Almost everyone works for the Dutch Government, and the official kindergarten allows working wives an early start on the morning's duties.

Twenty years ago, there were 300 people in Hollandia. Today's population numbers nearly 17,000 - about half Dutch, and half Papuan natives. They work side-by-side, without restrictions. The Dutch are planning and organising for the day when the Papuans will take charge of the country. This Saturday as on every other the whole of Hollandia is in top gear before 7.30 a.m.

Rear Admiral Platerink arrives for his regular conference with the Governor of Dutch New Guinea. Holland's Navy and Army paved the way by exploration and mapping, for much of the development that Rear Admiral Platerink, and the present Governor Doctor Pieter J. Platel (pronounced PLA-TEL) are helping to guide. One big project is home-building, and new roads for the growing suburbs of Hollandia. But now it is seven-thirty, and primary school begins...mostly they're the youngsters of Dutch officials. However, Papuans may attend, and many do. There are village schools, too, for the native children, and in Hollandia, all youngsters may progress to Matriculation standard.

The inevitable juke-box completes the modern scene at this West New Guinea version of a supermarket; with bread, at two-and-six a loaf, and beer at two-and-six a half bottle or cheaper unchilled this so-called bakery is a busy spot. It does duty too, as a kind of town meeting place, and an unofficial club for teenagers on holiday from Holland. From neighbouring Australian New Guinea, comes sago for sale on the Hollandia sea-front. After a six hour journey along the coast by this prahu with an outboard motor. Its owner, Umpa Emputi, is head of the local council at his village, Vanimo. The Saturday barter for sago begins..a desultory transaction, as the day's heat grows. And as it is Saturday, the work-force signs off at noon, two hours earlier than during the week. The early start and early finish, here in Hollandia are a legacy from the earliest days of the East India Co.

Papuans and Europeans share public transport, although most Europeans normally travel by car. And so home, the Dutch families to their hillside houses, and natives to their mainland villages, or their settlements on off-shore islands. Government car driver Pieter Jouwa (pronounced YOHEE) heads for a shoreline framed with stark reminders of more bitter days, when the Japanese came, and then the Americans bombed then out.

Hollandia is the headquarters of both the Papuan native political parties, and there is much to discuss over the midday meal. The Dutch officials and their families relax, too. At their hillside homes, a possibility is a Sati luncheon. Although Hollandia is close to the Equator, the Dutch do not spare themselves in their work, and enjoy their Saturday afternoons together. Sati is venison, shot in Southern New Guinea, where deer abound. Eventually however, the weather wins.

Hollandia curls up to sleep, perhaps to dream. The Dutch say they want self-rule for the Papuans as soon as possible. One proposal is for the United Nations to take over in the final formative stages of the country.

Deceptively deserted each afternoon, Hollandia is destined to become the centre of whatever the future holds for West New Guinea.

Ref: BGY503300246

INVASION BEACH" IN DUTCH NEW GUINEA

Story

Sixteen years age - April 1944 - the American Seventh Fleet stormed the beaches of Hollandia. This was the beginning of the end for the Japanese who occupied Dutch New Guinea. But now the fury has faded and the sea and the jungle have claimed the rotting hulks scattered along the beaches in the path of war. Where there was death and destruction, peace has brought progress and along the invasion beach of Hollandia a modern village has been built for the Papuan natives.

Native workmen have built most of the houses, in a successful experiment by the Dutch Administration to improve the living conditions of the Papuans. From the islands off the coast, many native families have come to live in these new houses...primitive outrigger conaes have brought the people and their furniture to their new homes. With the passing of war, the natives picked up where they had been forced to leave off. But now, sixteen years later, a new life has begun for them with new opportunities. Along the invasion beach, a new era is opening up for the people of Hollandia.

REF: BGY504030322

14/01/1961

DUTCH NEW GUINEA: Kaju Pulu: Papuans at primary Council polls - voting by whispers.

Story

Papuans in 15 electoral districts of Dutch New Guinea went to the polls, Jan 9/10, in the primary stage of the election of the territory's first representative body, the New Guinea Council. Expected to begin work in march or April, the council will have a say in legislation and policy.
At the small coastal village of Kaju Pulu, in the Hollandia district, polling began on Jan 9. men and women trooped to a temporary polling station outside the village church to record their vote - for the first time in their lives. There were no voting slips. Guarding against mishaps in procedure due to illiteracy, the authorities had approved a method whereby voters first heard the names of candidates read out to them and then whispered their choice into the ear of an official.
Out of some 600 inhabitants, 258 Papuans at Kaju Pulu were qualified to vote in this indirect election. Nearly 60% - reported to be the average throughout the territory - made use of their right and chose a number of electors who will later, together with electors nominated in other districts, name the members of the Dutch New Guinea Council. In some districts, direct elections to the council will be held. Eventually, there will be a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 48 members on the council.

REF: BGY504040351

27/02/1961

DUTCH NEW GUINEA: Voters elect their Council

Story

While the finishing touches are being put to the temporary New Guinea Council building at Hollandia, heavy rocks are being dug out and lifted from the site where the permanent building is to be built. With this concrete evidence of democracy, voters went to the polls recently to elect the Council.
Europeans, Eurasians and Papuans had a choice of 12 polling stations in Hollandia; and everything went quietly. On the first day, one third of the registered voters had been to the polling stations. The Council will have a great influence on the policies of the New Guinea Government.
Direct elections were held in Manokwari and Hollandia only, and two seats were at stake: one for each town. From the ten candidates at Hollandia, four have withdrawn, leaving two Europeans, two Eurasians and two Papuans.

EDITORS: Prod 0283/61, "Papuans at Primary Council Polls", also refers.

REF: BGY504040329

28/02/1961

DUTCH NEW GUINEA: Papuans demonstrate in favour of European candidate

Story

In Hollandia, capital of Dutch New Guinea: scenes during the election of the territory's first representative body, the New Guinea Council. On Feb. 24th, a crowd of Papuans, together with a minority of Europeans and Eurasians, paraded through the streets of the capital urging those who had not yet voted to support Mr. De Rijke, a Dutch candidate for the one seat at stake in Hollandia. The demonstrators carried banners and were accompanied by a loudspeaker car.
At an election meeting, a prominent Papuan, Mr. Nicolaas Jouwe, who has just returned from a visit to Holland, spoke support of Mr. De Rijke. "We Papuans need a Dutchman in the Council.... a man who will never be influenced by the Government; an independent man who has proved his love for our people, who not only seeks to protect the people but who also will take care that we shall not alienate from Holland".
There were loud cheers when Mr. Jouwe asked his audience if they would follow his own example and support Mr. De Rijke. Mr. De Rijke said in reply: "Look upon this as the symbol of the firm intention of the Dutch to lead you on your way to self-determination."His rival candidates in the Hollandia election are Mr. Boekraad aged 34, a police magistrate, who has been reported as losing popularity; and the 45-year-old Papuan, the Rev. Mori Muzendi, who is said to be running neck and neck with Mr. De Rijke. The latter is aged 39, and a lawyer.
The New Guinea Council is expected to begin work in March of April, and will consist of between 24 and 48 members.

REF: BGY504040337

03/03/1961

New Guinea election results.

Story

After a week of voting in various districts, the results of elections for the first Dutch New Guinea Council were made known Feb 25. Two of the more outstanding results were at Sentani - some 25 miles from Hollandia - and the capital itself.
At Sentani, Mr. Nicolaas Jouwe, a prominent Papuan, was elected to the Council with the overwhelming majority of 86 out of the 121 votes cast by the elec??? representatives of 6,500 Papuan voters in the district. Recently ??? from Holland, Mr. Jouwe said on his return: "We Papuans need a Dutch??? the Council.. a man who will never be influenced by the Government; and independent man who has proved his love for our people, who not only seeks to protect the people, but who also will take care that we shall not alienate from Holland."Four Dutchmen and two Papuans fought for the one seat in Hollandia, but as the nine-hours count neared its end, it became a neck-and-neck race between the Papuan Reverend Mori Muzendi, supported by the entire Protestant Mission, and the independent practising lawyer Mr. De Rijke. Final results revealed that Mr. Rijke had won by four votes from a total of five thousand votes - divided equally between Europeans and Papuans.
The territory's first representative body, the New Guinea Council will being inaugurated April, 5. Part of a Dutch programme to speed up measures preparing Papuans for self-determination, the Council will exert great influence in territorial legislation and policy.

REF: BGY504050387

05/04/1961

"INFILTRANTS" captured in Dutch New Guinea.

Story

Reported to be the remnants of a party of heavily armed Indonesian "infiltrants" that landed in Dutch New Guinea last November, nine men were brought to Hollandia Mar 30 from a north coast town where they surrendered six days previously.
Leader of the original group of 23 men is said to be Lieutenant Henkie Antaribaba of the Corps Irian 17. On capture he is reported as saying "Soekarno (the Indonesian President) cheated us. Soekarno said the Papuans would receive us with open arms".
An official statement issued in Hollandia said the "infiltrants" landed near campong Modowi, near the Omba River on the south-west coast of Dutch New Guinea. Their landing was noticed by villagers who travelled by boat for two days to reach the nearest police post. In an ensuing fight with a Papuan police patrol, three of the "infiltrants were killed. The others fled into the jungle.
Dutch and Papuan naval units cordoned off the area and intercepted an Indonesian schooner heading for the landing area loaded with reinforcements and supplies. Meanwhile the "infiltrants" were heading north, tracked by Papuans, Other Papuans, acting as carriers for the "infiltrants, smuggled vital weapon parts into the hands of the shadowing police. Gradually the lack of supplies, weapons, and ammunition took its too. Soon, the group totalled only nine. Some were captured, others washed away by the mountain rivers. Completely exhausted, they surrendered at Campong Wanggar on Mar 24.

REF: BGY504060015

05/04/1961

DUTCH NEW GUINEA: New Guinea Council members sworn in.

Story

The first elected Dutch New Guinea Council, hailed by Holland as a major step towards the island's eventual self-government, was sworn in by the Governor of West New Guinea, Dr. P.J.Platteel, at a ceremony in Hollandia on April 1st.
There are 16 elected and 12 appointed members. Of these 23 are Papuans, largely teachers and administrators,including one women, and five whites or members of mixed blood. After its April 5 inauguration the Council will have the right to put questions to the Governor, help to draft legislation, and decide how to spend the annual 10 million development money from Holland.
Representative from Australia, Britain, France, Holland, and New Zealand, will attend the opening ceremonies in Hollandia. The United States declined an invitation . It is felt in the Hague that President Kennedy does not want to take sides in the dispute between Indonesia and Holland, particularly as both President Soekarno and the Dutch Foreign Minister, Dr. Luns, are due in Washington this month.
One Council member is expected to propose closer co-operation between Dutch and Australian New Guinea. He suggests that the new Council and a similar body to be installed in Port Moresby April 10 set up a joint Parliamentary committee. Papuan are known to favour the establishment of a Melanesian Union that would include the whole of New Guinea as well as many nearby islands.

REF: BGY504060062

08/04/1961

DUTCH NEW GUINEA: Inauguration of New Guinea Council

Story

There were colourful scenes of jubilation in Hollandia Apr 4 as Papuans celebrated the inauguration next day of the first elected New Guinea Council - a major first step towards the island's self-government.
On the site where the permanent Council Building will be erected, large crowds - including representatives from Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand - watched the traditional "fire-walking" dance on hot stones. The stones were first heated on a fire and were then walked over by the dancers .... with no apparent ill-effects.
At the inauguration next day, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands told the New Guinea Council, in a recorded address, that Holland's only aim was to safeguard the Papuans' right of self-determination. "This is the first step on the road ... May that road be short," she said.
As Mr Platteel, the Governor of New Guinea, officially opened this first session of the Council, festivities outside the building were so noisy that he had to repeat part of his speech. The Dutch Interior Minister, Mr Toxopeus, then handed over a copy of Peaslee's "Constitution of Nations", to the speaker, Mr Sollewijn-Gelpke of the Netherlands.
A proposal by Mr Sollewijn-Gelpke to send a telegram to Queen Juliana expressing the Council's affection for the House of Orange was carried unanimously.
The Dutch Under-Secretary for New Guinea, Mr K.Bot, said the Government expected that in the next twelve months the Council would express an opinion about how self-determination could best be realised. He thanked Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand for sending representatives to the ceremony, America was criticised by Papuan leader Nicolas Jouwe for her decision not to send a representative.
On the New Guinea Council there are 16 elected and 12 appointed members. Twenty-three of these are Papuans - mainly teachers and administrators. The Council will have the right to put questions to the Governor, help to draft legislation, and decide how to spend the annual GBP10 million development money from Holland.

EDITORS: SEE ALSO PROD 2358 NEW GUINEA COUNCIL MEMBERS SWORN IN.

REF: BGY504060201

14/04/1961

DUTCH NEW GUINEA.

Story

Dutch New Guinea - Australia's nearest neighbour. Just across the border from Papua-New Guinea is the capital Hollandia where in first week this month hundreds of visitors from overseas and from outlying villages arrived for the inauguration of the territory's first representative council.
A week of celebrations in Hollandia marked this major step forward in the Dutch plan to give the territory self determination.
among the official visitors was a big delegation from Australia led by the minister for territories, Mr. Hasluck.
The governor of Dutch new guinea Mr. Platteel greeted Mr. Hasluck and presented him to other officials.
while the introductions were still going on the naval band unexpectedly broke into god save the queen. everyone stood in the sun while the band played the anthem for seven verses before relaxing into Christmas carols.
all member countries of the South Pacific Commission sent official delegations to the inauguration of the council except the United States.
later, the government officials watched ritual dances by native groups from both the Dutch and Australian sections of New Guinea. the next dance was by the visiting Australian Papuans.
The Dutch have occupied west New Guinea for more than 350 years, and it is half of the entire island. The population is small. Its 700-thousand people are widely scattered through the jungles and mountains they live in small communities and speak in several hundred languages.
The Dutch moved the capital to Hollandia after the second world war, to make use of the vast building and public facilities which were built there by American forces. The new legislative council will meet in an old building until a permanent building is finished.
Mr. Hasluck and Mr. Gotz, the New Zealand minister for islands and territories, were among the first to arrive to watch the first sitting of the legislative council. and then Governor Platteel.
the President of the Australian Senate, Sir Alistair McMullan was one of the large Australian delegation in Hollandia as guests of the Netherlands. a high ranking official of the Roman Catholic Church, cardinal Cremers, from South New Guinea - an area where scores of missionaries have died from tropical diseases and attacks by headhunters. even now, many of the natives there are pagans.
Mr. Selpke was the President of the Council. Nearly all the sixteen elected and twelve appointed members of the first representative Council are Papuans. The Council will have legislative powers of purely local matters but only advisory powers on major policy matters. Its main task will be preparing a plan for the territory's self determination perhaps within ten years.
Officially opening the New Council Governor Platteel warned that self determination must be firmly rooted in a strong feeling of national existence. Then the crowd heard a recorded message from Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.
The administrator of Papuan New Guinea, Brigadier Cleland referred to the similar problems facing the peoples of both territories.
All the speeches were translated into Dutch, English and Indonesian and many of the Council members used earphones for the translation service. Then it was down to work for the first legislative Council of Dutch New Guinea as one of the world's most backward areas takes another step towards self government.

REF: BGY504120231

25/10/1961

DUTCH NEW GUINEA: Papuans choose new flag and national anthem.

Story

Prominent Papuans living in Dutch New Guinea - the colony coveted by Indonesia - met for six hours in the New Guinea Council building, Hollandia, October 19, to elect a national committee and draw up a manifesto for eventual independence and self-government.
The meeting also adopted a national flag, designed by Mr. Nicolaas Jouwe, a coat of arms and a national anthem, "Haitanahkoe Papue" (hail to our soil papua). The manifesto called to the Dutch and New Guinea governments, through the National Committee and the New Guinea National Council, to hoist the new national flag next to the Dutch flag and to play the new anthem next to the Dutch national anthem. Mr. Inury, who was elected president of the National Committee, read the manifesto which also asked that the colony should be called Papua and its people Papuans.
A leading part was played in the discussions by Messrs Rumbati, Runtumboy, Mr. Kaisiepo, Mr. Wajoi and Itar. Mr. Jouwe was elected Vice-President, Mr. Kaisiepo first secretary and Mr. Muzendi second secretary.
In the Hague last month the Dutch parliament heard that the government, on the basis of self-determination for the Papuan population, was prepared to terminate its sovereignty over the colony, and to place it under the active supervision of the united nations. the colony has an area of 500,000 square mikes, most of which consists, except for the coastal regions, of jungle (some unexplored) and swamps. it has a population of 700,000. there is no national language and more than 150 different dialects are spoken.
President Soekarno claims that Dutch New Guinea should legitimately be part of Indonesia as it was part of the Netherlands East Indies along with Indonesia. the two peoples, however, are totally different races; the Papuans have completely different dialects and are even darker of skin.

REF: BGY504120198

28/10/1961

WEST NEW GUINEA: Hollandia: training centres.

Story

The Dutch government, which rules West New Guinea with its capital at Hollandia, is training the local people in various grafts and professions.
Near Hollandia harbour is the Hanadi school for seamen and marine officers where the people get training in splicing cables, repairing marine engines, unloading and wireless communication.
At the nearby technical school in Kotaradja carpenters and mechanics are trained.
The police force of local people is trained at a school in Base G. in Hollandia. they get six months training before joining the corps. The police also acts as the armed forces and played a major role in recently repelling Indonesian infiltrators.
Agricultural training gets also emphasis. The Dutch have imported a few Brhama bulls from India to improve the cattle in the area and at Kotanika school in Keniri, just outside Hollandia, a research organisation helps the Papuans and New Guineans get more out of their lands and run plantations for cocoa, peanuts and other cash crops.

REF: BGY504120373

05/11/1961

Dutch New Guinea renamed West Papua: new national flag approved by Netherlands government.

Story

At a special session in Hollandia October 30 the Dutch New Guinea Council unanimously approved a resolution to change the name of Dutch West New Guinea to 'Papua Barat' (West Papua).
Other items agreed upon by the meeting were:
1. the people of West Papua would be called Papuas.
2. the flag chosen by the national committee on October 19 would be recognised as the national flag of West Papua.
3. the coat of arms chosen by the national committee on the same date would become the national coat of arms.
4. the "hai tanahku papoea" would be recognised as the national anthem of West Papua.
Next Day, West Papua's new flag was presented to the Governor, Dr. P.J. Plateel, during a ceremony at his official residence. Replying to a speech by Mr. Kaisiepe, the leader of a delegation from the Council, the Governor said: "Never before has the oneness of the Council been put forward so strongly."the occasion ended with the Papuan national anthem, "Hai Tanahku Papoea", being sung by a children's choir.
Earlier in the month, the Netherlands Prime Minister, Mr. De Quay, indicated that the Dutch government would seek a change in the constitution to abandon sovereignty of Dutch New Guinea. He also indicated that there may be new elections to implements the Dutch plan for the territory - the plan had already been put before the united nations.
His proposal would surrender the western half of the island, now being administered by the Netherlands as a NonSelf-governing territory, to international authority. Such a surrender would be conditional on the guaranteed tight of the population to a vote determining the area's future.

REF: BGY504140027

07/12/1961

WEST PAPUA: West Papuan flag hoisted in Hollandia

Story

The new flag of West Papua - the renamed Dutch New Guinea - was hoisted all over the territory Dec.1. in Hollandia, the capital, the flag was raised above the New Guinea Council building in the presence of Dr.P.J.Platteel, the Dutch Governor.
Governor Platteel first inspected a Papuan guard of honour then took his place among dignitaries as a Papuan girls' choir sang the Dutch and Papuan national anthems. Mr.Kaisiepe, first deputy chairman of the New Guinea Council, handed the new flag to Papuan policemen who hoisted it to the jack.
Mr. Inury, chairman of the National Committee, made a speech in which he said: "My dear compatriots, you are looking at the symbol of our unity an our desire to take our place among the nations of the world. As long as we are not really united we shall not be free. To be united means to work hard for the good of our country, now, until the day that we shall be independent, and further from that day on."

REF: BGY504150292

20/01/1962

Dutch New Guinea/West New Guinea: Manokwari: Papuan demonstrations against Indonesia. Indonesian prisoners captured after sea battle

Story

With the increase in tension in the dispute between Indonesia and Holland over West New Guinea there has been an increasing number of demonstrations throughout the territory, mainly by the native Papuans. One of the largest involving about 3,000 Papuans took place, Jan 14, at Manokwari, on the north coast.
Carrying Dutch and Papuan flags alongside banners displaying anti-Indonesian slogans the demonstrators marched through the streets. They were addressed by one of the most popular Papuan leaders Mr John Ariks. He was loudly cheered when he attacked President Soekarno of Indonesia for his plan to take over and "liberate" the territory.
A combined effort by political parties and trade unions gathered thousands of names for a petition urging the Dutch government to take strong action against the Indonesian claim. It was sent to the Hague and the West New Guinea government in Hollandia. The Papuan Democratic Party has sent letters of protest to President Soekarno and President Kennedy of the United States.
Thirty-eight Indonesian prisoners, captured by the Dutch Jan 15, after they opened fire on Indonesian motor torpedoboats off the south coast of West New Guinea, were taken to Jefman airport on Jan 17. They will be held at Jefman, a small island about eight miles off the coast near Sorong. The other twelve Indonesians who were picked up in the water were flown to Hollandia for medical attention. Three Indonesians are believed to have been killed in the action.
The prisoners arrived in the clothes they wore when they were rescued from the sea. They said that they had thrown away their weapons and most of their uniforms as they were too heavy to swim with. Some of the men were injured in the clash. After being given something to eat the Indonesians were interrogated.
Since the fighting on Jan 15, there have been no further military incidents. In Djakarta on Jan 20, President Soekarno convened his "liberation operations staff" for an emergency meeting.

EDITORS NOTE: FOR PREVIOUS COVERAGE ON DUTCH WARSHIPS OFF HOLLANDIA SEE PROD: 5129/60

REF: BGY504150390

30/01/1962

Dutch New Guinea: Papuan Council discusses Indonesia and independence.

Story

During a special night session of the newly created West New Guinea legislative Council, Jan 22, it was decided to ask for an United Nations commission of enquiry to visit the territory, and for increased Papuan participation in military defence measures.
The Council - formed last April - met at the request of the Dutch government to consider plans for independence. Councillor Tanggahma said "Indonesia offers autonomy within its own form of government for a maximum period. Holland offers self-determination. We Papuans prefer the latter. We like to choose our destiny". He also proposed that an United Nations commission visit the territory to determine the people's view in order that a peaceful settlement may be brought about between Holland, who now controls the territory, and Indonesia, who is prepared to go to war in support of her claim to the territory.
A second motion, moved by Councillor Nicolas Jouwe, demanded that more Papuans be utilized and trained for the defence of the territory. He said this could be done in two ways. First; by increasing manpower of the Papuan battalion now being trained by the Dutch. Second; by training and arming local volunteers units. He recalled the effectiveness of Papuan guerilla units against the Japanese in World War Two. "If blood has to flow for West Papua," he said, "it has to be Papuan blood, not Dutch blood." Consisting of 16 elected and 12 appointed members - 23 of them Papuans - the Council have already taken the territory a long way down the path to independence. They have approved and hoisted a national flag, adopted a national anthem, and approved a resolution to change the name of Dutch West New Guinea to 'Papua Barat' (West Papua).

REF: BGY504150359

02/02/1962

Dutch New Guinea: interview with captured Indonesian officer.

Story

Twelve Indonesians, taken from the sea after a clash between Indonesian motor torpedo boats and Dutch warships off the south coast of Dutch new guinea, Jan 15, were taken to Hollandia, the capital, where three of them received hospital treatment.
One of the other nine men, a young Indonesian officer, was interviewed at a Hollandia prison camp, Jan 19. He explained (sof) that his mission had been to take a motor torpedo boat to Celebes and then follow a northerly curse for an "unknown destination". After the clash he had sum for some time before he found a rubber dinghy. Later he was picked up by the Dutch navy.

PRODS: 0365/62 & 0410/62 REFER.

REF: BGY504190042

09/05/1962

Dutch New Guinea: 96 Indonesian "infiltrants" await trial on Woendi island.

Story

Netherlands armed forces have captured 173 Indonesian paratroops and killed more than 50 since the present series of "infiltrations" into Dutch New Guinea began Jan 15. Film just received from the tiny island of Woendi, 35 miles south-east of Biak, shows some of the 96 Indonesian prisoners awaiting trial in the army camp, may 3, following their capture on the nearby islands of Waigeo and gag.
One of the detainees, Indonesian sergeant-major Suhendang, told our cameraman: "We were ordered to infiltrate gag and Waigeo islands; 71 men to Waigeo and 80 to gag. Our task was primarily to prevent a frees state of West Papua being proclaimed. We were also ordered to hoist our red and white flag in West New Guinea."The sergeant-major went on to say that many of the young and only partially trained Indonesian soldiers were demoralized by gunfire and bomb attacks and soon gave themselves up to Dutch units.
On May 4, following news that Indonesian paratroops have been dropped at Fak, on the southern coast, 850 Netherlands troops left the hook of Holland for Dutch New Guinea in the troopship "Waterman". It was the second contingent of troops to be sent to the territory following the Dutch government's decision to provide reinforcements to protect Dutch nationals and the Papuans of the island.
On May 8, Dutch marines, assisted by Papuan volunteers, were reported to be closing in on Indonesian paratroops who had landed in Dutch New Guinea within the last two weeks. The commander of the Indonesian troops had been killed and more prisoners were taken by Dutch units. The number of Indonesians who landed on the Onin peninsular was estimated at 48. They were dropped from three dakotas stationed in the Aroe islands.

REF: BGY504220122

15/08/1962

West New Guinea: Papuans demonstrate for self-determination - denounce provisional Dutch-Indonesian agreement

Story

Feelings ran high in Hollandia, West New Guinea, Aug 10, as hundreds of Papuans demonstrated in the capital in protest against provisional agreement reached between the Netherlands and Indonesia on future of the disputed territory.
Dutch and Indonesian negotiators - brought together in New York by U.S. mediator Ellsworth Bunker and United Nations officials - are reported to have agreed on preliminary plans, providing for U.N. stewardship of West New Guinea until May, 1963 when it would be handed over to Indonesia. Papuans were to decide by plebiscite at some future date whether they wanted self-determination or continued Indonesian rule. It was also agreed that military action between Dutch and Indonesian forces would cease.
Angered by these provisions and recent landings of Indonesian paratroops in West New Guinea, Papuan Demonstrators Aug 10 carried banners in Hollandia proclaiming: 'We are not merchandise,' and 'We don't want Soekarno.' The demonstrators delivered a resolution to the West New Guinea Council, calling for the right of Papuan self-determination, a plebiscite to be held during the projected period of UN administration of the territory, and recognition of Papuan leaders as their representatives in further negotiations on West New Guinea.
Mr. Marcus Kaisiepo, first deputy chairman of the New Guinea Council, told the demonstrators: "We Papuans will adhere to our rights on whether we walk a good and quiet road or a stormy one. We will unite to show that our right cannot be taken from us and cannot be demanded by Indonesia." Four days later - on Aug 14 - the Netherlands protested to the United Nations that Indonesia had dropped more paratroops into West New Guinea while the two countries were negotiating. Meanwhile, signature of a formal agreement between Dutch and Indonesian negotiators on the territory's future was reportedly imminent, Aug 15.
The negotiations follow a long dispute between Indonesian and the Netherlands over west New Guinea, which the Dutch have occupied for 350 years. Indonesian maintains that the territory was part of the East India possessions which the Dutch relinquished in 1950.

REF: BGY505010020

05/05/1963

Indonesia: West Irian: handing over ceremony

Story

The main square of Kota Baru (formerly Hollandia) was packed for the formal take over of West Irian last Wednesday by Indonesia.
During the hand-over ceremony Indonesian bombers flew over the city and Indonesian warships lay at anchor in the harbour.
Pakistan troops serving the United Nations in the former Dutch colony saluted as the UN flag was lowered and Indonesia formally took Over. The Indonesian foreign minister, Dr Subandrio, said at the ceremony that 15,000 troops moved into West Irian would be used mainly on development projects.
The Papuan people of West Irian are to decide their future by plebiscite before 1969, the UN has ruled.
on Saturday President Sukarno flew into Kota Baru on his first visit to the area.

REF: BGY507120132

08/05/1969

Indonesia: political prisoners' campaign West Irian

Story

An Indonesian spokesman, when confirming earlier this week that there had been and armed uprising among Papuan tribesmen in West Irian, denied that there were any political prisoners interned in the area. This film shot about a month ago some 10 miles (16 kms) outside Jayapurua, the West Irian capital, shows a camp where it is alleged 800 prisoners were interned until recently. there are now only eight prisoners in it.
The camp was used by General McArthur as a base for operations against the Japanese in the second world war. It has been used for the past three years as a camp for political prisoners by Indonesian forces stationed in the area.
The eight prisoners still in it a month ago were all members of the Free Papua Movement, which is campaigning to make West Irian an independent state. One of those seen by the cameraman was the movement's self-styled leader Amos Patti-Peme, former director of Jayapurua's main newspaper. There was also a police Inspector, the capital's Deputy High Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner for the highlands, a custom's officer, a high school teacher, the chief of the electrical generating stations in the area and a police sergeant.
It was announce today (Thursday) in Djakarta that all journalists and foreign diplomats were now banned from visiting West Irian until further notice.

REF: BGY507080130

01/01/1969

Indonesia: West Irian report.

Story

This is the Djajapura residence of the United Nations Special Envoy on West Irian - Mr. Fernando Ortis Sanz. The street where I'm standing was filled with some two-hundred West Irianese calling for freedom of speech last April.
As far as demonstrations go, the number was small - but it was significant in that this was the first time the world heard of any open protest against Indonesian authority in the former Dutch territory. The people gathered here because they believed the United Nations would help them. This they still believe - although at least six people were arrested immediately after the demonstration and remain in custody today - despite an assurance given to Mr. Ortiz Sanz that nobody had been arrested or would be. There are no demonstrations in West Irian today...But from the moment a visitor like myself enters the territory, he's a target for clandestine contacts from People claiming to be members of the Operasi Papua Merdeka...the "Free Papua Movement". They'll hand you letters -- like this one -- addressed to the Australian nation..The letters carry all sorts of allegations against the Indonesians..Here are some quotes...
"Indonesian shots its propaganda to the world that it is carrying out its ascertainment of the people's opinion in West Irian in a democratic manner. This is untrue nonsense.." and further on: "Undisciplined troops have now been stationed in the villages. They are not just pursuing OPM men, but are looting and destroying the property of the people. Pigs, chickens and goats are shot and eaten, the fruits and vegetables in the gardens are carried off and the young plants destroyed and burned. Many huts in the villages have been burned. Girls are stolen at gunpoint from their parents, and forced into prostitution...."The letter is headed "Statement by the People of West Irian.." It is signed; but I cannot identify the standing of the man who wrote it. It's almost impossible to assess how much following the OPM receives from the people. Wherever I went in the territory I found people were reluctant to talk openly about what was going on.
This is the entry port for visitors to West Irian...the island of Biak off the Northern Coast. It's widely regarded as a major centre of OPM activity. Today it's quiet. There appear to be no more soldiers here than anywhere else in Indonesia.
Children play in the harbor as they have since the first colonial days. The ships are unleading supplies from Singapore and Djakarta without any significant port security. Yet there were undertones of tension. At the police head-quarters and at an army barracks, the Indonesian flag flew at halfmast. When I asked the reason, nobody there would tell me why.
An Indonesian citizen from Sumatra when I met casually, surprised me by delivering a diatribe against his own countrymen. He said there was no freedom of speech -- and the people on Biak were afraid to talk. He claimed that although the assembly members had been freely chosen at one election witnessed by the United Nations -- elsewhere on the island they were appointed by the authorities.
I attempted to see the Island's military commander - an airforce major - but was told he was busy. We were not permitted to enter the airbase -- nor the naval base on the far side of the island. Both these bases are claimed to be housing political detainees arrested in a security sweep through the island from the middle of April.
Meanwhile, in the capital of Djajapura, Indonesian and Australian officials have opened a continuing dialogue on the problem of West Irian refugees...the Territory's Military Commander Brigadier General Sarwo Edhie has described these as "simple people" who'd gone into the jungles on the premise they'd get military training. He said they'd gone over the border because they felt guilty for what they had done -- and feared punishment. He save 'ordinary people' can cross the border any time they like..but adds that people trying to distribute what he termed "propaganda " were criminals and would be pursued. One of these was shot dead just outside the town, shortly before we arrived...He was a courier -- and I was told he had his hands up and was calling for mercy.
These days Djajapura is quiet with an under-current of urgent activity as the United Nations Fund for West Irian tries to repair an infrastructure crippled by years of neglect - and it's alleged widely - by plunder. But because of the difficulty in getting equipment and supplies to the territory - ships won't call unless they have a minimum guarantee of six-hundred tons of cargo - the FUNDWI programme is grinding along in low gear. Before wresting control of this territory from the Butch, the Sukarno regime premised West Irian liberation from colonialism and a better way of life. Papuans who once believed this now say they were given empty promises.
It is in fact that some twelve million dollars - half the total finance of the UN fund for West Irian - will be devoted merely to rehabilitating equipment and facilities left behind by the Dutch.
There are tremendous natural barriers which would severely curb development projects backed by even a well-financed administration. In the highlands, airstrips can only be located in the relatively few places where valleys don't plunge almost vertically from the very crest of mountain ranges. These were problems which hampered development by the Dutch...for the Indonesian administration, which has few aircraft, and almost no communications links - the only answer has been to lean on the missionary groups who opened up the country in the first place and whose mission stations have become the point of contact for the people.
This is Wamena, the administrative centre of one West Irians eight regencies - Djajawidjaja - and the major settlement in the central highlands. The Indonesians themselves admit that ninety percents of these highland tribesmen know little or nothing of the meaning of the act of self determination. They have no wider interest than in continuing to live under the same traditions and rights as they always have. Whether they are able to enjoy these a minimum guarantee seems debatable. Wamena is it the fortunate position, that it can regularly receive supplies...its airstrip is big enough to take a DC three...but in the satellite centres tucked in almost inaccessible corners of the mountains...troops and police - cut off from an assured supply of goods and companionship - have been known to steal livestock for food and assault women in the villages. Reliable sources say these instances are not wide-scale, but they do occur...
This is Bokondini - a settlement balanced on the fringe of a gorge, fifteen minute flying time away. The local administration officer have is said to be a good man for the job. He has removed those who've incurred the peoples displeasure. But that the central administration merely transferred them to other areas of the territory. Many of a "Siberia" a place they neither like nor want to remain in. They have little in common with the place either ethnically, culturally or religiously. Most of them are Moslem in an alien Christian society.
Lately, United Nations observers have been active in moving through these outlying areas...but their travelling began late. They've seen less than twenty percent of the selective process which formed the Consultative Assemblies throughout the territory...and the role has been confined within the terms of reference of the 1962 New York Agreement...They have the right of observation only - not to make any judgments nor express any opinions. This was stressed by their head of mission - Mr. Fernando Ortiz Sanz, who has said - and I quote: The United Nations has not been given by the New York Agreement any authority for taking decisions in this problem, so I do not feel the United Nations should be forced to make express comments on the results of the Act of Free Choice..."This then is the territory which in just over two weeks' time is to stage an act of self determination provided for in an agreement signed in New York in 1962.
A senior diplomat who's studied the agreement carefully - and who's travelled West Irian widely - has described the formality as (quote) a diplomatic farce.
On the other hand, of the few West Irianese who know anything of the real implications behind it - most believe there IS a United Nations guarantee that the people's choice will be observed. The fact that they are wrong and the United Nations role has been merely to advise the Indonesians, will only be brought home on August the seventeenth...when the result will be announced by the Indonesian President in Djakarta. No informed observers - least of all the Indonesians - believe there will be any other decision than that the spokesmen now appointed will decide that the territory should remain with Indonesia. President Suharto himself has said that any other decision would be considered a betrayal...now over to Jim Revitt in Kuala Lumpur.

REF: BGY507140461

30/07/1969

West Irian: Sorong delegates vote in Act of Free Choice on country's future

Story

An unanimous vote to remain part of Indonesia has been lodged by 110 representatives of the regency of Sorong, in West Irian -- the fifth regency to have done so in the current Indonesia -or- independence issue. The representatives were voting last Saturday (26 July) in the act of free choice to decide the future of the country.
A big crowd greeted the United Nations representative, Doctor Fernando Ortiz Sanz, and the Indonesian interior minister, Major Amir Machmud, as they arrived for the important council meeting. Armed troops mingled with the crowd.
The act of free choice is made by the "musjawaran" method, or decision by discussion.
It follows a 1962 agreement worked out with the United Nations when Indonesia took over the territory, formerly the western half of New Guinea, from the Dutch.
Each of the delegates -- members of the eight regency councils -- has been chosen to represent a section of the population because the Indonesian government feels the one-man-one-vote system would be impossible because of the backwardness of the people, the difficulty of terrain and the lack of communications.
The 110 delegates at Sorong represent 85,000 of West Irian's 800,000 population. So far, 710 of the 1,025 delegates have favoured remaining with Indonesia. Representatives of the regencies have yet to vote.
However, the act of free choice is expected to be completed early next month, and president Suharto will announce the results on August 16, the eve of Indonesia's 24th independence anniversary.

REF: BGY507180329

21/11/1969

United Nations: General Assembly approves incorporation of West Irian into Indonesia.

Story

The united nations general assembly this week gave its sanction to a resolution under which the primitive territory of West Irian becomes part of Indonesia.
The delegates voted 84-0 in favour of the resolution, with 30 abstentions, mainly by African countries. The resolution upheld a poll last summer in which community chiefs in West Irian declared in favour of Indonesian rule.
The poll was not a plebiscite or referendum of the people, but a vote by 1,025 chiefs representing about 800,000 primitive people. It had been generally agreed that the people of West Irian were too primitive to understand the workings of a plebiscite.