Publication

This study discusses the development of Indonesian attitudes and policies toward Papua from the first movements toward Indonesian independence to the present day. It emphasizes the Indonesian view that Papua has been an integral part of the Indonesian state ever since the proclamation of independence. The study argues that the nationalist conviction that Papua is an integral part of Indonesia remains the dominant framework in which government policy is made and public opinion formed. The authors draw lessons from the Papua conflict and discuss what changes must occur in the governance of Papua so that Jakarta can keep this region as part of the Indonesian nation.