Publication

This study addresses the evolution of Papuan nationalism as a political force. It shows that Papuan nationalism was shaped by factors such as the grievance about the manner in which the territory was integrated into Indonesia. The author explains that despite the distinctions they draw between themselves and Indonesians, the Papuans are themselves diverse and that the evolution of Papuan nationalism went hand-in-hand with the creation of a pan-Papuan identity. Given the ability of Papuan nationalists to adapt to changing political circumstances, the study closes by posing the question whether Indonesian government policy could be altered to accommodate Papuan interests and to encourage Papuans to accept a political future within the Indonesian state.