Pre 1945
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1581-2
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Migel Rojo de Brito visits the Raja Ampat Islands, the MacCluer/Bintuni Gulf, and North Seram in a search for gold. [jt]
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1605
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VOC begins sending expeditions to the Moluccas and the so-called Papuan Islands. [jt]
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1623
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Jan Carstensz travels from Aru to West New Guinea to find a passage north to the Pacific Ocean. He glimpses snow-caps on what he believed to be the mountainous interior of Seram. [jt]
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1642
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Tasman explores the western shores of West New Guinea for the VOC on his voyage back from New Zealand. [pd]
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1654
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Captain Frederik Gommersdorp lands at Rumbati at the Onin Peninsula. Perhaps Antony Adriaansz. Multum was there before because upon his return to Banda in 1656, Multum told that he had lived on the Karas Islands at south coast of the Onin Peninsula for three years. [jt]
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1660
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The Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) recognises the sultan of Tidore’s (nominal) sovereignty over the island of New Guinea and thus gains the rights to collect labour and forest products from West New Guinea. [jt]
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1662
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Willem Buis, together with Multum, travels to Onin to collect manpower. [jt]
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1663
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Council of Justice, Nicolaes Vinck does a preliminary survey of the north and south coast of what later is called the MacCluer Gulf. He lands at Goras, Sekar, and Patipi at the Onin Peninsula. [jt]
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1678
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Captain Johannes Keyts travels with three ships to Onin, visits the Arguni Bay and places VOC flags at Fatagar and Kilbati. [jt]
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1700
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William Dampier lands at the Karas Islands, travels around the island of Salawati and maps the strait between the islands of Batanta and Waigeo. [jt]
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1730
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Corporal Wiggers joins a hongi raid to Onin during which 178 people were captured, 53 are killed and three villages are burned. [jt]
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1791
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Captain John MacCluer maps the MacCluer Gulf. [jt]
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1814
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The sultans of Ternate and Tidore agree that the west coast of New Guinea falls under sovereign authority of the sultan of Tidore, which marks the first formal Dutch claim on this land. [jt]
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1824 March 17
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Treaty of London in which the Dutch and the British agree upon division of the Indies. The Dutch get Sumatra, Java, Maluku, West New Guinea, and the British get Malaya and Singapora and retain an interest in North Borneo. [pd]
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1828
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Triton expedition to New Guinea leads to the construction of the fortress Du Bus and the first Dutch settlement, Merkusoord, in the Triton Bay. Within a few months the fortress and the settlement are attacked by local people and after eight years of suffering from diseases and regular confrontation with the local people, the Dutch left the place in 1836. [jt]
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1848
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Governor-General J.J. Rochussen decides that the 141st meridian marks the eastern border of Netherlands New Guinea. D.J. van den Dungen Gronovius travels around the coast to place escutcheons. Leading a large hongi fleet, he also travels along the north and south coast of the Kepala Burung in 1849. [jt]
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1854
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Dutch government restricts hongi raids, fully banning them six or seven years later. [jt]
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1855
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Beginning of missionisation of West New Guinea. The German missionaries Carl W. Ottow and Johann G. Geissler land on the island of Mansinam in Cenderawasih Bay. [jt]
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1858
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Lieutenant F.R. Toewater goes on a mission with the vessel ‘Phoenix’ to punish the villagers of Kapitoear and Sisir at the south coast of Onin who are suspected of resistance and theft to the disadvantage of VOC traders. [jt]
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1863
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Dr H.A. Bernstein collects material culture for the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, Leiden. He visits the islands of Batanta, Salawati, Doom, Ram, and Tjiof and Remu and Cape Sele at the mainland. [jt]
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1865
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First official inauguration of an Arguni raja at Tidore. [jt]
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1871
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Government commissioner P. van der Crab and botanist J.E. Teysmann travel to Onin and into the MacCluer Gulf. Van der Crab reports that many traders from Seram are active in the Bintuni Bay. [jt]
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1872
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Former Resident J.C. Coorengel travels into the MacCluer Gulf and visits rajas along the coasts of Bintuni Bay (Bergh 1964a: 32).
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1872
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The botanists Odoardo Beccari and Luigi d’Albertis visit the Arfak mountains in the north-east of the Kepala Burung. [jt]
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1873
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The pearler Captain Edwin Redlich on the brig ‘Franz’ sends his first mate and seventeen men off in two small boats at the south-west coast of the Kepala Burung on 12 November. In December, the raja of Salawati reports to Redlich that they had been killed and eaten by people on the Klabra River. [jt]
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1873
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The naturalist Adolf Bernard Meyer claims to be the first to have crossed the isthmus that connects the Kepala Burung with Kowiai and Onin. [jt]
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1884
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The British and German governments acknowledge the 141st meridian east as the western boundary of their possessions, accepting the Dutch assertions of 1828. [jt]
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1888
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Former Resident of Ternate, F.S.A. de Clerq travels with the ‘Java’ to West New Guinea and visits the south coast of Bintuni Bay. [jt]
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1898
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Establishment of government stations in Manokwari and Fak-fak. [jt]
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1901
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Inspector P.E. Moolenburgh crosses the isthmus that connects the Kepala Burung with Kowiai and Onin. [jt]
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1902-3
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The linguist J.S.A. van Dissel organises three trips across the Onin Peninsula/ [jt]
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1902-5
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J.W. van Hille, Inspector of Fak-fak and first government official of western West New Guinea, explores (partly together with the commander of the vessel ‘Jawa’, J.N.W. Kuyl) the north coast of the MacCluer Gulf. [jt]
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1909
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Assistant-Resident F.H. Dumas at Fak-fak appoints two Onin leaders to serve the government at Yahadian (Kais River) and Segei (presently Inanwatan) with a platoon of armed police men at their disposal. [jt]
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1910
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Revolt in Bira (now Inanwatan). [jt]
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1911
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Missionary H.D. Starrenburg of the Utrechtse Zendingsvereniging travels through the MacCluer Gulf and the Bintuni Bay to Fak-fak. [jt]
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1911
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Missionary J. van Muijlwijk settles at Fak-fak to co-ordinate missionary activities in west West New Guinea. [jt]
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1916
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The Utrechtse Zendingsvereniging missionaries D.C.A. Bout and J. Wetstein travel to Bintuni with the vessel ‘Jong-Holland’. [jt]
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1927
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Construction of the Boven Digul internment camp for Indonesian nationalists. [jt]
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1936
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Beginning of oil exploration in the MacCluer Gulf area with Babo as base-camp. Oil was also found near Klamono (Western Kepala Burung), followed by Mogoi in 1939 and Wasian in 1941, both in the east of the Kepala Burung). [jt]
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1937
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The Officer in Charge for the Sorong region, S. van der Goot, explores the northern Kepala Burung and travels across the Kladuk River to the Klawilis Rivier down to the south coast. Van der Goot returns to the area with the Denison-Crockett expedition to Sainkeduk (where the Crockett family stayed). [jt]
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1937
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Establishment of the Central Kepala Burung garrison in Mefkadjim (Ayamaru) under command of the military captain, G.F. van Duin as of March. [jt]
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1938
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‘Discovery’ of the Baliem Valley by the Richard Archbold expedition. [jt]
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1939
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S. van der Goot and Inspector Meylinck travel from Amberbaken at the north coast of the Kepala Burung to Ayamaru and from there to the west coast. During this trip Meylinck is killed by a shot from his own gun. [jt]
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1939
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Successful strike of oil in Mogoi, near Bintuni. [jt]
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1940 May 15
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Netherlands Indies government declares a state of siege, and places the Indies on a wartime footing. [jt]
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1941
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Successful strike of oil in Wasian, near Bintuni. [jt]
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1942-5
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Occupation of most of the northern parts of West New Guinea by Japanese troops. The head of the Ayamaru sub-division, W.F. van den Berg, manages to stay aloof from the Japanese. In the North-western Kepala Burung, Sergeant M. Kokkelink and Sergeant-Major P.P. de Kock, successfully hide despite an unremitting Japanese hunt. [jt]
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1944 April 22
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Allied forces retake Hollandia [pd]
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1944 May 9
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Japanese commanders surrender and withdraw from West New Guinea. A Dutch appeal to offer resistance to the Japanese is followed by many local leaders throughout West New Guinea. In a couple of months the people chase away or kill all the Japanese in their regions. [jt]
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1944 June 4
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Japanese start a counterattack on Biak and the islands is finally cleared from Japanese on 8 September [pd]
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1945
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Proclamation of independence of Indonesia by Sukarno and Mohammed Hatta on 17 August. [jt]
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1960-1969
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1960
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Australia begins aerial survey of the border region. [bab]
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1960 (late)
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Malaya's Tunku Abdul Rahman tries to mediate between Indonesia and The Netherlands and fails. [bab]
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1960 March 03-09
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Australia-Netherlands conference held in Hollandia. [bab]
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1960 August
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Diplomatic ties with the Netherlands severed by Indonesia; Parna (National Party) established in West New Guinea; Pro-Dutch PVP(Democratic People's Party) formed. Other parties follow. [bab]
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1960 August
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Dutch embassy in Jakarta closes and official Dutch/Indonesian diplomatic ties are severed. [jfs]
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1961 January
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John F Kennedy becomes US President. [jfs]
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1961 January
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Kennedy promises to end Soviet aid and intervention in Indonesia; By this date, 8 political parties had been established in West New Guinea: Democratic People's Party; National Party; New Guinea Unity Party; Papuan Youth Party; Unity Party of New Guinea; Strength through Unity Party; People's Party; and Union of Christians and Islamists. [bab]
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1961 February
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Elections are held for 16 members of the West New Guinea Council. A further 12 are selected by the Dutch for areas considered not yet ready for meaningful elections. [jfs]
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1961 February
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National elections to West New Guinea's New Guinea Council held. West New Guineans gain 22 out of the 28 seats. [bab]
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1961 April
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Nasution visits Australia. [bab]
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1961 April 05
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Inauguration of the New Guinea Council; a Papua and New Guinea contingent, including John Guise, attended the inauguration. [bab]
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1961 April 05
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Inauguration of the West New Guinea Council. Britain and Australia send representatives, the US does not. [jfs]
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1961 September
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A number of armed Indonesian infiltrators are rounded up by Dutch forces and local Papuans. [jfs]
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1961 September 26
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Dutch Foreign Minister Luns presents a proposal to the UNGA on West New Guinea's future. The 'Luns Plan' proposes an end to Dutch sovereignty and the establishment of a UN administration in West New Guinea to supervise and organise a plebiscite to decide the territory's final status. [jfs]
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1961 September 27
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Netherlands Foreign Minister Luns proposes a plan for UN administration of West New Guinea. [bab]
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1961 November (late)
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UN dismisses the Luns plan. [bab]
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1961 November 24
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UNGA votes on a Dutch backed 'compromise' proposal on West New Guinea which recognises the Papuan's right to self-determination and calls for direct Dutch/Indonesian negotiations on the issue. Although it is supported by 53 votes to 41, it does not receive the necessary two-thirds majority to be passed. Another Indonesian-backed resolution which makes no mention of self-determination receives 41 votes for and 40 against. Following this the Dutch announce that they will not pursue the Luns plan in the UNGA any further. [jfs]
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1961 December 01
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Following a vote by the West New Guinea Council, the territory is renamed West Papua and given a national anthem and a flag which flies alongside the Dutch tricolour. In addition to these measures, the West New Guinea Council responds to the recent UN vote by passing a series of resolutions supporting the Luns Plan and calling on all nations to respect the right of the Papuans to self-determination [jfs]
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1961 December 19
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Sukarno declares TRIKORA (KOTI): (People's Triple Command for the Liberation of West Irian); calling for a total mobilisation to destroy Dutch-promoted Papuan state; to fly the Indonesian flag over West Irian and to prepare for war over West Irian. [bab]
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1961 December 19
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Sukarno issues the 'peoples' Triple Command' (TRIKORA) calling for the total mobilization of the Indonesian people to 'liberate' West Irian. [jfs]
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1962
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Onwards Defence buildup in Papua and New Guinea; increased border patrols and more administrative personnel. [bab]
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1962 January
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Serious defeat for Indonesian navy by the Dutch, off the coast of West New Guinea. [bab]
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1962 January 15
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'Battle of Arufura sea', Dutch/Indonesian naval clash off coast of West New Guinea results in the sinking' of an Indonesian naval patrol boat and the death of Commodore Yosophat Soedarso, Deputy Chief of the Indonesian naval staff. [jfs]
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1962 January 17
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Dutch and Indonesians accept a public invitation by U Thant for their New York representatives to meet with him to discuss the possibility of direct negotiations on West New Guinea. The talks stall on Indonesian insistence that any negotiations have to be based upon pre-condition that West New Guinea will eventually pass to their control. [jfs]
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1962 February
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President Kennedy's brother, US Attorney General Robert Kennedy visits Jakarta and The Hague in an effort to persuade both sides to begin direct negotiations. His visits are a success. [jfs]
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1962 February 16
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New Guinea Council informs Dutch government that the people of West New Guinea had chosen December 1 1970 as a target date for independence. [bab]
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1962 March
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Indonesian naval vessel, possibly a Russian built Skoryi destroyer, is sunk by the Dutch near the south coast of West New Guinea. [jfs]
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1962 March
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Australians build an airstrip and defence base at Vanimo. [bab]
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1962 March 11
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On US instructions, U Thant appoints American diplomat Ellsworth Bunker as mediator for forthcoming Dutch/Indonesian talks. [jfs]
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1962 March 20
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Preliminary Dutch/Indonesian talks begin in Middelburg Virginia without pre-conditions. [jfs]
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1962 March 24
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Indonesians announce that they are withdrawing from the talks. [jfs]
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1962 March 25
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Indonesian aircraft attack a small Dutch naval vessel injuring three crew. [jfs]
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1962 April 02
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US inform Dutch of their proposals to resolve the West New Guinea dispute. Known as the 'Bunker plan' a key provision allows the transfer of the territory to Indonesia before any act of Papuan self-determination. Dutch Foreign Minister Luns condemns the plan while the Indonesians accept it as a basis for negotiation. [jfs]
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1962 April 13
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Twelve hour Dutch Cabinet meeting to discuss the Bunker plan. The Cabinet reluctantly agrees not to reject the plan outright. [jfs]
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1962 April 14
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Dutch Labour Party organises a 15,000 strong march in Amsterdam to protest at the dispatch of Dutch troop reinforcements to West New Guinea. [jfs]
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1962 May 25
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UN makes public details of the Bunker plan. [jfs]
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1962 May 26
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Dutch agree to restart talks based upon the Bunker plan but on going disagreements between them and the Indonesians prevent talks from taking place. [jfs]
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1962 June 29
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Constantin Stavropoulos, the UN legal counsel advises Secretary General U Thant that 'there appears to emerge a strong presumption in favour of self-determination in situations such as that of West New Guinea on the basis of the wishes of the peoples of the territory concerned, irrespective of the legal stands or interests of other parties to the question'. [jfs]
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1962 July
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A number of border incidents had taken place by this date; a twenty-mile wide immunization belt was established on the Papua New Guinea side of the border. A Dutch and Australian joint surveying team erect border markers on the Fly River. [bab]
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1962 July (early)
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Dutch and Australian surveying teams set up border markers on Fly River following the Netherlands-Australia agreement over the marking of the Fly River border area. [bab]
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1962 July 12
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Talks reconvene. [jfs]
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1962 July 28
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Indonesian Foreign Minister Subandrio threatens to pull out of the talks but is persuaded to stay by President Kennedy. [jfs]
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1962 July 30
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Further talks held. [jfs]
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1962 July/ August
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The UN's Trusteeship Council produces a report on Australian New Guinea. Among its recommendations it calls for Australia to establish a national parliament in the territory of around 100 members to be elected on the basis of direct election by adult suffrage under a system of single member constituencies. [jfs]
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1962 August 14
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Talks suspended following the dropping of hundreds of Indonesian paratroops into West New Guinea. [jfs]
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1962 August 15
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New York Agreement signed by Indonesia and the Netherlands. [jfs]
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1962 August 15
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New York Agreement whereby the Dutch cede control of West New Guinea to Indonesia. [bab]
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1962 August 15
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Signing at United Nations Headquarters of the Agreement concerning West New Guinea (West Irian) by representatives of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia. [un]
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1962 August 17
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Sukarno attributes the winning of West New Guinea to Guided Democracy. [bab]
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1962 August 18 0001 GMT
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Ceasefire in West New Guinea comes into force. [jfs]
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1962 August 20
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First UN military observers (LTNMO's) arrive under command of Swedish naval officer OW Melin. [jfs]
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1962 August 21
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Australia considers permissive residency requests from thousands of West New Guinea villagers. [bab]
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1962 August 21
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In a breech of the New York Agreement, 14 Indonesian troops landed near the West New Guinea capital Hollandia by submarine. [jfs]
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1962 August 28
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United Nations Military Observer team named to ensure execution of cease‑fire. [un]
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1962 August 30
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Pakistan agrees to provide 1,000 men as United Nations Security Force. [un]
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1962 September
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New Guinea Council reluctantly accepts the New York Agreement. [bab]
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1962 September 01
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Only nine of the twenty-eight West New Guinea Council members vote to endorse the New York Agreement. In a second vote, half the council walk out leaving the remaining fourteen to vote in favour by twelve to two. [jfs]
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1962 September 07
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Appointment of Jose Rolz‑Bennett United Nations Deputy Chef de Cabinet, as the representative of the Acting Secretary-General in the Territory. [un]
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1962 September 19
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Outbreak of cholera reported in Agats district. [un]
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1962 September 19
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'Papuan National Congress' organised by Herman Wajoi and Nicholas Tanggahma ends with a call for a plebiscite on West new Guinea to be held under UN auspices. [jfs]
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1962 September 21
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UNGA debate the New York Agreement and vote to pass a Dutch/Indonesian resolution on it by 89 votes to none with 14 abstentions. Dahomey later requests that its vote be changed to against. [jfs]
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1962 September 21
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Repatriation completed of all Indonesian troops not assigned to remain in West New Guinea. [jfs]
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1962 September 21
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United Nations General Assembly approves Agreement of August 15 on the transfer of authority. [un]
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1962 September 22
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Jose Rolz‑Bennett arrives in Hollandia/Kotabaru. [un]
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1962 September 24
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United Nations Military Observer team withdraws on completion of mission in the Territory. [un]
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1962 September 28
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Dr. Pieter J Platteel, the last Dutch Governor of West New Guinea, leaves the territory. [jfs]
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1962 October 01
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UNTEA administration begins with Jose Rolz-Bennett as temporary administrator. [jfs]
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1962 October 01
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UNTEA take‑over from Netherlands Administration. Installation of Jose Rolz‑Bennett as Temporary Administrator. United Nations and Netherlands flags are raised side by side. [un]
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1962 October 13
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Cholera outbreak on south coast reaches epidemic proportions. [un]
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1962 October 15
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Amnesty granted to political prisoners. [un]
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1962 October 24
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Appointment of Dr. Djalal Abdoh (Iran) as UNTEA Administrator announced by Acting Secretary‑General. [un]
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1962 October 29
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Rear Admiral Reeser, Commander in Chief of the Dutch Armed Forces in the Territory, returns to the Netherlands. [un]
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1962 October 7
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Arrival in Sorong of main contingent of Pakistani troops serving in UNSP (14th Punjab). [un]
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1962 November
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Australia's defence expenditure increased. [bab]
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1962 November 13
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Arrival of Dr. Djalal Abdoh in Hollandia/Kotabaru. [un]
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1962 November 15
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Djalal Abdoh becomes UNTEA administrator. [jfs]
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1962 November 15
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Indonesian troops take over a stretch of road near Sorong and beat up several Papuan policemen. [jfs]
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1962 November 16
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Jose Rolz‑Bennett, Temporary Administrator, returns to United Nations Headquarters on completion of assignment. [un]
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1962 November 20
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Indonesian troops surround Sentani airstrip near Hollandia and hold several policemen at gunpoint preventing them from carrying out their assigned task of guarding the facility. [jfs]
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1962 November 22
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Last Dutch troops depart from West New Guinea. [jfs]
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1962 November 22
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Last unit of Dutch troops returns to Amsterdam. [un]
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1962 November 23
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Arrival of Deputy Administrator, Dr. Sudhir Sen (India). [un]
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1962 November 30
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Administrator invests officers of the Court of Justice. [un]
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1962 December 01
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Papuan nationalist march cancelled after being banned by UNTEA. [jfs]
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1962 December 02
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Biak Numfor Council draft a resolution calling for a free plebiscite in 1964 under UN auspices. The resolution also condemns UN plans to handover the territory to a 'ruthless colonial power'. [jfs]
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1962 December 04
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Members of the New Guinea Council take Oath of Office. [un]
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1962 December 05
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Administrator addresses concluding Session of the 1962 New Guinea Council. [un]
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1962 December 10
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Indonesian troops open fire on Papuan demonstrators in Merauke injuring two. [jfs]
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1962 December 13
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Indonesian troops launch a mortar attack on a police station in Sorong. One Papuan policeman is killed. [jfs]
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1962 December 15
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Shooting incident at Sorong involving Indonesian troops and Papuan police results in death of one Papuan police officer, and the accidental wounding of two Dutch bystanders. [un]
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1962 December 18
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Letter sent to all Indonesian police commissioners working with UNTEA from Van Diest the head of the police branch of the Indonesian mission to UNTEA. The confidential letter orders them to ensure that police under their command sign pro-Indonesian statements calling for the early departure of UNTEA and the abandonment of any act of self-determination. [jfs]
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1962 December 24
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Garuda Indonesian Airways take over service in the Territory from Dutch airline "de Kronduiff"'[un]
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1962 December 27
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Cholera cases decline sharply. [un]
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1962 December 30
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Major General A. Jani, Commander in Chief of the Indonesian Army, arrives in Hollandia/Kotabaru for three‑day visit. [un]
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1962 December 31
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Indonesian flag hoisted side by side with United Nations flag. (Dutch flag had been flying side by side with United Nations Flag from 1 October.)[un]
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1963 (early)
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Australian aerial photography of border area and survey of northern border region. [bab]
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1963 January (mid)
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A series of pro-Indonesian marches involving Papuans takes place in Biak, Hollandia and Manokwari. No forewarning given to UNTEA despite the legal requirement to do so. [jfs]
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1963 January 01
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Administrator delivers New Year Message to population of the Territory. [un]
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1963 January 01
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Indonesian flag officially flown alongside UN flag. [jfs]
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1963 January 02
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Direct radio link established between Hollandia/Kotabaru and Djakarta. [un]
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1963 January 13
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Violence between pro and anti-Indonesian Papuans breaks out in Kaimana. [jfs]
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1963 January 16
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General Mohammad Musa Khan, Commander in Chief of the Pakistani Army, arrives in Territory for tour of inspection of Pakistani contingent Of UNSF. [un]
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1963 January 17
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A Papuan student is beaten up after pro-Indonesian Papuans enter the Government School of Administration in Hollandia looking for Papuan flags. [jfs]
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1963 January 17
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Joint FAO/Indonesian Mission completes agricultural survey tour of Territory. [un]
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1963 January 17
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Several Papuan nurses beaten up by Indonesian paratroops at Hollandia hospital. [jfs]
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1963 January 21
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Forty-four Papuan students who had fled to Australian New Guinea return to West New Guinea following assurances given by UNTEA regarding their safety. That evening they are attacked in their dormitories by around thirty pro-Indonesian Papuans armed with knives. Two students need hospital treatment. [jfs]
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1963 February 01
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Definite decline noted in cholera epidemic. [un]
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1963 February 06
|
Indonesian Foreign Minister Subandrio announces that Jakarta accepts the date of 1 May 1963 for the transfer of power from UNTEA to Indonesia. [jfs]
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1963 February 09
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Chakravarthy V. Narasimhan, Under Secretary for General Assembly affairs in the United Nations, arrives in Territory for three‑day visit. [un]
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1963 February 09-12
|
Under Secretary General Narasimhan pays a visit to West New Guinea. In a speech he confirms the 1 May 1963 handover date. [jfs]
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1963 February 14
|
Joint WHO‑UNICEF‑Indonesian team of health specialists begins one‑week study tour of the Territory. [un]
|
|
1963 February 17-18
|
Led by Sergeant Frits Awom, the Papuan Volunteer Corps (PVK) in Manokwari mutiny. The Indonesian army retreats to its barracks. On the morning of 18 February, the PVK returns to barracks but not all weapons are handed back. [jfs]
|
|
1963 February 20
|
UN officials trick the PVK into disarming. Their arms are then removed by Pakistani UNSF troops. [jfs]
|
|
1963 March 13
|
Indonesia reestablishes diplomatic relations with the Netherlands. [jfs]
|
|
1963 March 13
|
Resumption of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Indonesia. [un]
|
|
1963 March 16
|
Administrator opens new hospital in Biak. [un]
|
|
1963 March 23
|
Entire Territory declared cholera free. [un]
|
|
1963 March 26
|
Nederlandsche Handel Mattschappij (Dutch Bank) taken over by Bank Indonesia in the Territory. [un]
|
|
1963 March 27
|
Administrator opens new hospital in Wamena in the Central Highlands. [un]
|
|
1963 April 10
|
Administrator opens new deep water jetty and wharf in Biak. [un]
|
|
1963 April 10
|
Following increasing pressure from Indonesian UNTEA officials, the Biak Numfor Council repudiate their December resolution and sign another one praising Jakarta and pledging loyalty to Indonesia. [jfs]
|
|
1963 April 11
|
Administrator opens Agricultural Research Station in Manokwari, the largest in the South Pacific. [un]
|
|
1963 April 23
|
Administrator addresses special session of New Guinea Council in new Council building. [un]
|
|
1963 April 23
|
UNTEA administrator Abdoh formally opens the new West New Guinea Council building in Hollandia. [jfs]
|
|
1963 April 25
|
Arrival of Robert Linquist, assistant to Ellsworth Bunker with the United Nations Military Observer team which came to the Terrritory in August to ensure execution of the cease‑fire. [un]
|
|
1963 April 29
|
Arrival of Chakravarthy V. Narasimhan, personal representative of the Secretary‑General for the handing over of administration. [un]
|
|
1963 May 01
|
End of UNTEA; full Indonesian control of West New Guinea; Elizier Bonay becomes Governor of West Irian. [bab]
|
|
1963 May 01
|
Transfer of Administration from UNTEA to Indonesia. [un]
|
|
1963 May 01
|
UNTEA transfers administration of West New Guinea to Indonesia. [jfs]
|
|
1963 May 02
|
Sukarno first visited Kotabaru, renamed it Sukarnapura; arrived in destroyer Irian, a gift from USSR in support of Irianese liberation from the Dutch; DPRD (regional parliament) installed, consisting of 42 members, 33 of whom were Papuans. [bab]
|
|
1963 May 04
|
Indonesian President Sukarno arrives in West New Guinea (West Irian) for a visit. Appoints Papuan politician Eliezer Bonay as Governor. Soon afterwards, Sukarno orders the banning of all existing Papuan political parties and all unofficial political activity. [jfs]
|
|
1963 May 14
|
UN Under Secretary-General Narasimhan writes to the Indonesian government announcing the Secretary General's intention to send a number of 'experts' to West Irian as specified in article XVI of the New York Agreement. In the event none are ever deployed. [jfs]
|
|
1963 May 21
|
Confidential Australian communication reports that the Dutch and UN Under Secretary General Narasimhan have agreed that a Papuan act of self-determination need not involve any direct voting on the issue by the Papuan population. Instead, some form of 'representative' assembly could decide on behalf of the people. [jfs]
|
|
1963 May/ June
|
220 West Papuan refugees from the Merauke region cross the border into Australian New Guinea. [jfs]
|
|
1963 July
|
About 400 border dwellers from near Merauke crossed to Bensbach, Papua and New Guinea; granted permissive residence. [bab]
|
|
1963 September
|
Indonesia-Australia agreements to allow Australia to set up temporary border markers on the Papua and New Guinea side of the border. [bab]
|
|
1963 November
|
Pacific Islands Regiment patrols around Ningerum showed local population where the border was to be fixed. Indonesian troops destroy survey work of the Australian team and force the team away from the border at gunpoint. [bab]
|
|
1963 November
|
The United Nations Fund for West Irian (FUNDWI) is established. [jfs]
|
|
1964
|
During the year, Territory of Papua and New Guinea Army, Police and Department of Native Affairs border surveillance is upgraded. Territory of Papua and New Guinea Agriculture policy and development plan for the border area is submitted. [bab]
|
|
1964 January
|
Indonesian-Australian talks in Jakarta; Subandrio agrees that border marking should be continued and a joint team established. [bab]
|
|
1964 May
|
UN Under Secretary-General Rolz‑Bennett arrives in Jakarta for talks with Sukarno. He privately repeats Narasimhan's view that
the Papuan act of self-determination need not include any direct voting by the West Irian population on the issue. He then briefly travels to
West Irian visiting Biak, Sukarnapura (Jayapura) and Manokwari.[jfs]
|
|
1964 July 30 - August 04
|
First meeting to discuss the work of demarcating the border to be carried out by both Indonesian and Australian survey teams held in Djakarta; it was agreed that 14 markers would be placed by the joint team along the border, and that further negotiations would be held. [bab]
|
|
1964 August
|
After waiting a year, two US embassy officials are given official permission to make a ten day visit to West Irian.[jfs]
|
|
1964 November 20
|
Franz Kaisiepo became new Governor of West Irian, replacing Bonay. [bab]
|
|
1964 December
|
Indonesia withdraws from UN over Malaysia issue. [bab]
|
|
1965
|
OPM founded in Bird's Head region. Sporadic rebellions on‑going in the area since 1963.[jfs]
|
|
1965 January 7
|
Indonesia withdraws from the UN in protest at the appointment of Malaysia as a non‑permanent member
of the UN Security Council. This is part of Sukarno's on-going 'Confrontation' with Britain and Malaysia. [jfs]
|
|
1965 May
|
Sukarno rules out any act of self‑determination for West Irian. He claims that the Irianese (Papuans) do not want it.
OPM members arrested in Bird's Head region following attempted raisings of the Papuan flag. In Biak, Papuan rebels are
reported to have attacked Shell Oil Company installations.[jfs]
|
|
1965 July 26
|
An isolated patrol post in West Irian was attacked by Kebar tribesmen. [bab]
Papuan government employees attack and kill a number of Indonesian soldiers during an illegal Papuan flag raising ceremony.[jfs]
|
|
1965 July 28
|
Formation of OPM. Permenas Awom and Johan Ariks led an attack on the Indonesian Red Beret unit at Arafai in Manokwari destroying the unit. Lodewijk Mandatjan led a large number of Arfak tribesmen into the jungle. Around this time, Marcus Kaisiepo in Holland declared himself President-in-exile and formed the High Court Chamber of Representatives of West New Guinea and West Papua, and Nicolaas Jouwe formed the Committee for the Freedom of West Papua. [bab]
|
|
1965 August 4
|
Indonesia launches Operation Sadar - the first Indonesian military counter-insurgency operation.[jfs]
|
|
1965 August 12
|
A battalion of the Indonesian army parachute commando regiment is flown to Biak from Jakarta in response to Papuan unrest.[jfs]
|
|
1965 August 25
|
Mandatjan and his followers returned from the jungle. [bab]
|
|
1965 September 30 - October 2
|
Unsuccessful coup attempt in which the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) is implicated. As a result, thousands of Indonesians, accused of being left-wing, are killed. Over the next two years Sukarno loses power and is replaced by the pro-Western President Suharto. [jfs]
|
|
1965 October 01
|
Coup which ushered in New Order and mass killings of PKI; KOPKAMTIB established. [bab]
|
|
1966
|
Territory of Papua and New Guinea Sepik District is divided into East and West. [bab]
|
|
1966 March 11
|
KOPKAMTIB strengthened by Presidential Order. [bab]
|
|
1966 May
|
The second meeting to discuss survey of the border between Indonesian and Australian Papua and New Guinea held in Canberra, and gave approval to the idea that markers were to be placed by the Joint Border Survey team. [bab]
|
|
1966 June 30 - September (mid)
|
Joint Border Survey team establishes six northern border markers. [bab]
|
|
1966 August
|
Indonesian Foreign Minister Malik visits West Irian accompanied by a number of foreign journalists. [jfs]
|
|
1966 September 30
|
During a visit to the UN in New York to arrange Indonesia's re-entry to the organisation, Foreign Minister Malik announces that Jakarta will permit a Papuan act of self-determination. [jfs]
|
|
1966 November
|
FUNDWI programs resumed after Indonesia rejoins UN. [bab]
|
|
1967
|
Freeport Sulphur granted a license to begin mining operations in West Irian.
Throughout the year Papuan armed rebellion continues, particularly in the Bird's Head region. [jfs]
|
|
1967 (early)
|
Lodewijk and Barend Mandatjan and Fritz Awom declared Manokwari a 'free Papuan state'. There were disturbances in Merauke, Kokanao and Fakfak organised by indigenous soldiers and police but soon suppressed. Border crossings increased. [bab]
|
|
1967 January
|
Indonesian military aircraft strafe Manokwari town. The Indonesian government later explains that this was in response to Frits Awom declaring a 'free Papuan state'. Indonesia also admits that forty Papuans were killed in the attack. [jfs]
|
|
1967 January 03
|
Lodewijk Mandatjan led 14,000 Arfak tribespeople into the jungle, taking about 1,000 firearms. [bab]
|
|
1967 January / February
|
The third meeting to discuss the Joint Border Survey team's work of border demarcation held, in Djakarta; agreed that aerial survey markings of the border was to take place. [bab]
|
|
1967 February 13
|
Johan Ariks died in prison. [bab]
|
|
1967 April
|
Indonesia's Director-General for West Irian, Colonel Marwoto, accused Australia of harbouring anti-Indonesian Papuans in Australian New Guinea, 'The subversive group called the Free Papua Movement. Over 350 West Irianese people arrived at Weam in Papua. [bab]
|
|
1967 May
|
Australian External Affairs Minister Hasluck confirmed that 'something like 1,200 native people from West Irian had crossed the border since 1963. Of these, 'a very small number only' had asked for political asylum. [bab]
|
|
1967 September 08
|
The establishment of the eight southern border markers is completed. [bab]
|
|
1968
|
'Operation Awareness' [Operasi Sadar] launched in West Irian. [bab]
|
|
1968 (late)
|
Forty Irianese from Vanimo and Wewak were shifted to Manus. [bab]
|
|
1968 (mid)
|
According to Sarwo Edhie, about 6,000 troops were used in West Irian to suppress uprisings. [bab]
|
|
1968 January 21
|
Raid by 'separatists' on Makwu post, West Irian. [bab]
|
|
1968 February 02
|
Raid on Sausapor, near Sorong, by 'separatists'. [bab]
|
|
1968 April 01
|
Ortiz Sanz appointed UN Representative for West Irian (UNRWI). [jfs]
|
|
1968 May
|
Indonesian ministerial delegation visits West Irian led by the Sultan of Jogjakarta. Members are privately appalled at the scale of the economic problems in the territory and the level of unpopularity of the Indonesians among the Papuan population. [jfs]
|
|
1968 June
|
Six Indonesian military generals visit West Irian to assess the security situation. [jfs]
|
|
1968 June (mid)
|
An Indonesian combat force is sent to West Irian from South Celebes in response to continued armed Papuan rebellion. [jfs]
|
|
1968 June 29
|
Brigadier-General Sarwo Edhie Wibowo is appointed military commander for West Irian. [jfs]
|
|
1968 August 12
|
Jakarta announces that in recent military operations in West Irian 162 Papuan rebels have been killed and 3,200 surrendered. [jfs]
|
|
1968 August 12
|
Ortiz Sanz arrives in Indonesia. [jfs]
|
|
1968 August 20
|
An Indonesian government team led by Foreign Minister Malik make a four day tour of West Irian accompanied by a number of foreign journalists. [jfs]
|
|
1968 August 23
|
Ortiz Sanz arrives in West Irian. [jfs]
|
|
1968 August 26
|
Ortiz Sanz and three of his staff begin a ten day tour of West Irian accompanied by Indonesian officials. [jfs]
|
|
1968 September (late)
|
Ian Morgan, a British diplomat based in Jakarta. makes a brief tour of West Irian in the company of a number of Australian officials. [jfs]
|
|
1968 October 31
|
Patrols sent out by Territory of Papua New Guinea to clear squatters inl border camps. [bab]
|
|
1968 November 01
|
Leaflets signed by Sarwo Edhie are distributed around the Bird's Head peninsula calling for rebels to surrender by 1 December. [jfs]
|
|
1968 November 14
|
Ortiz Sanz suggests a 'mixed method' for the Act in a meeting with Sudjarwo. [jfs]
|
|
1968 November 18 - December 14
|
Ortiz Sanz and members of his team embark on a second tour of West Irian [jfs]
|
|
1968 December
|
Military Commander of West Irian, Brig.Gen. Sarwo Edhie, visits Port Moresby, accompanied by Deputy Governor Amos Indey and Provincial Security Officer, Col. Loekito Santoso. [bab]
|
|
1968 December 01
|
Indonesian military launches another offensive in the Bird's Head Peninsula. [jfs]
|
|
1968 December 18
|
UNGA passes a resolution on Australian New Guinea calling for Australia to fix an early date for self‑determination and independence in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the people. It also calls for Australia to hold free elections under UN supervision on the basis of universal suffrage in order to transfer power to the representatives of the TPNG people. [jfs]
|
|
1969 January
|
Major Lodewijk Mandatjan and his brother Barend gave up fighting against Indonesian forces; Indonesian security forces used the brothers to publicise the Act of Free Choice and to persuade Fritz Awom to surrender. [bab]
|
|
1969 January (mid)
|
Rebellion on Bird's Head erupts again under the leadership of Frits Awom. [jfs]
|
|
1969 January 01
|
Papuan Bird's Head rebel leaders the Mandatjan brothers surrender to Indonesian forces. [jfs]
|
|
1969 January 03
|
Foreign Affairs Minister Malik announces that the Act of Free Choice will be arranged by Indonesia and. not the UN. 'Operation Authority' [Operasi Wibawa] launched in Irian Jaya as a prelude to the Act of Free Choice.
|
|
1969 January 16
|
Malik explained that the 'one man, one vote' system would not be practical in Irian Barat. [bab]
|
|
1969 January 30
|
Rolz Bennett writes to Ortiz Sanz informing him of Indonesia's rejection of his 'mixed method' suggestion for the Act. [jfs]
|
|
1969 January 7
|
Mandatjan brothers flown to Jakarta on a the same plane as ex‑West Irian governor Eliezer Bonay (recently released from prison), Ortiz Sanz and his wife. [jfs]
|
|
1969 February
|
In his first speech as Australian External Affairs Minister, Gordon Freeth indicates that Australia would accept the results of an act of self-determination in West Irian which consisted of a polling of 1000 representatives. [jfs]
|
|
1969 February 10‑12
|
Ortiz Sanz holds a series of meetings with Sudjarwo and other Indonesian officials. Sudjarwo gives him some details of Indonesian plans for the Act. [jfs]
|
|
1969 March
|
The Dutch privately ask U Thant to consider sending an 'expeditionary force' to West Irian to guarantee that the Indonesian military would not threaten or coerce the Papuans during the vote. U Thant declines to do so. [jfs]
|
|
1969 March 18
|
Ortiz Sanz issues a press release commenting on Indonesian plans for the Act. To be acceptable he states that the Assemblies would have to be sufficiently large and represent all sectors of the community. He also insists that all additional members would have to be clearly elected by the people. Indonesia he declared had given him assurances on all these issues. [jfs]
|
|
1969 March 22 - April 11
|
Eight regional councils meet to consider Indonesian proposals for the Act. Indonesian and UN reports say that the councils all accept while emphasising that the Act is unnecessary. In contrast, British journalist Garth Alexander claims that at the council meeting he witnessed in Merauke most members called for a more democratic method for the Act. [jfs]
|
|
1969 March 24
|
195 West Papuan political detainees released (including ex-Governor Bonay) to meet requirements set by Ortiz-Sanz. [bab]
|
|
1969 April (mid)
|
Widescale rebellions erupt in Western Central Highlands. Ninety armed Papuan policemen mutiny and join the rebels. [jfs]
|
|
1969 April 11
|
Demonstration by Papuans in front of Ortiz Sanz's Jayapura residence calling for a referendum on self-determination. Dispersed by Indonesian troops who arrest many demonstrators despite military assurances to Ortiz Sanz that they would take no action. [jfs]
|
|
1969 April 11
|
Demonstrators near Jayapura proclaim a 'National Republic of West Papua'; OPM leaders claim that there were over 5000 demonstrators, addressed by Moses Weror and Herman Wajoi, chairman of the Provincial parliament, with Ortiz-Sanz present. The Indonesian delegation headed by Soedjarwo Tjondronegoro was to meet the leaders, but the demonstrators were dispersed by machine-gun fire prior to the meeting. Moses Weror and 11 others were imprisoned at Ifar Gunung, the Army prison. In November 1969 the prisoners were removed to Abepura because Ifar Gunung was so full of OPM prisoners. [bab]
|
|
1969 April 16
|
Five armed Indonesian soldiers force their way into Ortiz Sanz's Jayapura residence and try to arrest Marshal Williams, UNRWI's black American Chief Administrative Officer mistaking him for a Papuan. [jfs]
|
|
1969 April 20
|
The selection process begins without any UN involvement for additional Assembly members for the Act. [jfs]
|
|
1969 April 23‑24
|
Uprisings in Paniai Regency; this was intended to signal uprisings throughout West Irian in all district capitals, to begin in the week prior to 1 May, to be followed by a proclamation from leaders at either Wamena or Jayapura. Only Enarotali revolted. One of the Jayapura DPRD members was kidnapped; air fields sabotaged to prevent troop landings; Brig.Gen. Sarwo Edhie's plane was fired upon by rifles when seeking to land at Enarotali to investigate reports of uprisings; his plane later landed at Nabire. 4 battalions of Red Beret paratroopers were dropped by Hercules aircraft at Enarotali, and most were believed drowned in Lake Paniai, or killed by OPM forces. Sarwo Edhie denies use of force by Government. [bab]
|
|
1969 April 24
|
Nine ground force task units were despatched to Irian Barat. [bab]
|
|
1969 April 26
|
111 West Irianese crossed to Yako quarantine camp. Fifteen uniformed Indonesian soldiers cross into Territory of Papua and New Guinea searching for refugees around Wutung and fired shots at the Officer in Charge of Wutung Patrol Post and two constables. [bab]
|
|
1969 April 27
|
Muju tribesmen attack an army camp near Merauke killing three Indonesian soldiers. [jfs]
|
|
1969 April 27
|
Plane carrying Brig. Gen. Sarwo Edhie hit by groundfire while trying unsuccessfully to land at Enarotali. [jfs]
|
|
1969 April 30
|
Indonesian paratroops dropped into rebel held areas. Approximately 14,000 locals are reported to have fled into the bush. [jfs]
|
|
1969 April / May
|
Indonesian troops cross into TPNG in pursuit of West Papuan refugees killing two. [jfs]
|
|
1969 May 01
|
300 Papuans demonstrate in Arso and raise the West Papuan Rag. Two demonstrators are shot by Indonesian security forces. [jfs]
|
|
1969 May 09
|
Press reports that foreign visitors to Irian Barat need special clearances; Irian Barat still regarded as a'special area'. [bab]
|
|
1969 May 12
|
Ortiz Sanz writes to Rolz Bennett saying that he wishes to ask the Indonesians to postpone the Act for several months in order to give enough time for the democratic conditions in the territory to be improved. The request is never made. [jfs]
|
|
1969 May 12-18
|
In response to the rebellions, Ortiz Sanz flies from Jakarta for a week long visit to West Irian. On his return, he issues a press statement (which was written before the trip took place) announcing that the situation is quiet but tense and that foreign press reports have been exaggerated. [jfs]
|
|
1969 May 18
|
Indonesian troops cross border into Papua New Guinea, fire on an Irianese camp at Kwari; Malik responded by claiming that Indonesia had been attacked by rebels based in Papua New Guinea. [bab]
|
|
1969 May 21
|
Indonesian and Dutch Foreign Minister's Malik and Luns issue a joint statement following a meeting in Rome in which they pledge to fully implement the New York Agreement. [jfs]
|
|
1969 May 24
|
An estimated 500 University of Papua New Guinea students protest against the Act of Free Choice in West Irian. [bab]
|
|
1969 May 27
|
Malik reported to say that Kwari refugee camps were anti-Indonesian training camps. [bab]
|
|
1969 May 29
|
Clemens Runaweri and Wilhelms Zongganao crossed the border into Papua New Guinea. Indonesian soldiers crossed over 10 miles into Papua and shot dead an Irianese refugee, Julius Yam. [bab]
|
|
1969 May 30
|
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Gordon Jockel, asked Malik if it was true that Malik had accused Australia of establishing a training camp in Papua New Guinea close to the Irian Barat border. Jockel presented a protest and stated that Australia did not have a camp there. Malik said he had not accused Australia, and had used the words 'if there is...' [bab]
|
|
1969 May 30
|
Six weeks after the process has commenced, the UNRWI team receive a timetable for 'elections' of additional assembly members for the Act. [jfs]
|
|
1969 June
|
The number of refugees in the various holding camps in Papua New Guinea were: Yako 112; Morehead 280 and Manus 56. [bab]
|
|
1969 June 04
|
In Biak, UN officials witness their first selection process for additional assembly members. [jfs]
|
|
1969 June 06
|
Malik states that Indonesia would 'take all steps' to prevent further border incidents. [bab]
|
|
1969 June 06
|
Original date given by Indonesia for the end of the Assembly selection process. [jfs]
|
|
1969 June 07
|
Enarotali chiefs and village heads returned from the jungle to their homes. [bab]
|
|
1969 June 10-11
|
Mr Royce Webb and Mr. Ken Brown of the Department of District Administration and Mr. J.M.C. Watson, First Secretary, Australian Embassy, Djakarta, meet with authorities in Djajapura to discuss the improvement of liaison along the border, including regular meetings between officer in charge, and radio and telephone links; Royce Webb was later chosen to be Australia's liaison officer in Djajapura. [bab]
|
|
1969 June 11
|
28 aspiring Papuan refugees killed by ABRI in the border region (Osborne 1985: 157). [sek]
|
|
1969 June 13
|
Ortiz Sanz writes to Sudjarwo requesting that he hold some fresh elections in areas where no UN officials were present during the original selection process for the Act. [jfs]
|
|
1969 June 14
|
Ortiz Sanz writes to Rolz Bennett informing him that he has urged the Indonesians to obtain assurances from the Dutch that they won't challenge the result of the Act. He also reveals that he has offered to show Sudjarwo 'on a personal basis' those parts of his planned report to the UNGA which 'might be controversial'. [jfs]
|
|
1969 June 18
|
Malik claimed that under the border agreement between Indonesia and Australia, Australia was bound to return every West Irianese who crossed into Australian territory. [bab]
|
|
1969 June 23
|
Indonesia sends Ortiz Sanz a timetable for nine fresh elections. In the end the UN witnesses six. In total the UN witnesses the selection of 195 of the 1022 representatives who eventually take part in the Act. [jfs]
|
|
1969 June 27
|
The House of Assembly of Territory of Papua and New Guinea passed a resolution of 'deep concern' over Indonesia's musjawarah and UN acceptance of it and not the 'one man, one vote' system. [bab]
|
|
1969 June 28
|
TPNG Assembly adopts a resolution criticising Indonesia and the UN for neglecting the political and human rights of the Papuans. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July (early)
|
Representatives for the Act - are reportedly isolated from the rest of the population by the Indonesians. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July (late)
|
2nd Paniai revolt. (Osborne 1985: 47) [sek]
|
|
1969 July 01
|
Renewed rebellion in Western Central Highlands involving Ekari tribesmen. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July 14
|
Merauke's musyawarah. 6 delegates are killed by fellow Papuans (Osborne 1985: 47). [sek]
|
|
1969 July 14
|
The Act of Free Choice begins with a unanimous vote by the Merauke Assembly to remain with Indonesia. Among the guests at the event are various foreign ambassadors including those from Australia and the Netherlands. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July 14 - August 2
|
Eight assemblies vote in the Act of Free Choice. [bab]
|
|
1969 July 15
|
Ortiz Sanz gives a press conference and defends the Indonesian method adopted for the Act as 'practical'. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July 17
|
The Wamena Assembly votes unanimously to remain with Indonesia. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July 19
|
The Nabire Assembly votes unanimously to remain with Indonesia. Scheltema, the Dutch Ambassador leaves the territory and does not witness the remaining Assembly votes. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July 23
|
The Fak Fak Assembly votes unanimously to remain with Indonesia. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July 26
|
The Sorong Assembly votes unanimously to remain with Indonesia. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July 29
|
The Manokwari Assembly votes unanimously to remain with Indonesia. Australian journalist Hugh Lunn witnesses Papuan demonstrators outside the Assembly hall thrown into trucks and driven away by Indonesian security forces. He goes inside and tells Ortiz Sanz who reportedly refuses to intervene. [jfs]
|
|
1969 July 31
|
The Biak Assembly votes unanimously to remain with Indonesia. [jfs]
|
|
1969 August 02
|
The final assembly meeting takes place in Jayapura with a unanimous vote to remain with Indonesia. The authorities organise celebrations to mark the end of the Act. [jfs]
|
|
1969 August 17
|
Ortiz Sanz attends celebrations in Jakarta to mark the twenty‑fourth anniversary of the 1945 proclamation of Indonesian independence. [jfs]
|
|
1969 August 18
|
Ortiz Sanz leaves Indonesia [jfs]
|
|
1969 September
|
Soeharto and entourage visit West Irian to officiate at ceremonies marking the completion of the 'Act of Free Choice'; West Irian becomes Indonesia's 17th Province; Soeharto declares an amnesty for those who had taken part in the Awom, Mandatjan and Enarotali revolts. Security increased on both sides of the border because of Soeharto's visit. [bab]
|
|
1969 September 04
|
Duco Middelburg (Netherlands Ambassador to the UN) comments privately to his Australian counterpart, Patrick Shaw, that he 'hopes that the handling of the Act in the UNGA will go quietly'. [jfs]
|
|
1969 September 10
|
Confidential FCO briefing to the UK Mission to the UN in New York advises them to 'steer clear' of the West Irian issue but adds 'privately however, we recognise that the people of West Irian have no desire to be ruled by the Indonesians ...and that the process of consultation did not allow a genuinely free choice to be made'. [jfs]
|
|
1969 September / October
|
Indonesian Foreign Minister Malik tours a number of African countries to argue the Indonesian position over the Act. Papuan nationalist Nicholas Jouwe also tours Africa lobbying against Indonesia. [jfs]
|
|
1969 October
|
Sarwo Edhie offered amnesty to those who had fled to Papua New Guinea l to return to West Irian, amnesty to be in force until end of 1969. [bab]
|
|
1969 November 06
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UN Secretary General U Thant presents his report on the Act to the UNGA. It consists of a summary by himself followed by reports from Ortiz Sanz and the Indonesians. [jfs]
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1969 November 13‑19
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Series of plenary meetings held at the UNGA to discuss a resolution which 'takes note' of the results of the Act and the UN's fulfillment of its role in the procedure. The resolution is sponsored by Belgium, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Thailand. [jfs]
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1969 November 18
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A number of African representatives at the UN hold a 'stormy' meeting on the Act and refuse to receive the Indonesian permanent representative. [jfs]
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1969 November 19
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UNGA votes by 58 to 31 with 24 abstentions to reject a move by Dahomey for an adjournment for further consultations on the Act. It then votes by 60 to 15, with 39 abstentions, to reject a Ghanian amendment to the resolution on the Act which calls for a further act of free choice in West Irian by the end of 1975. Finally, the UNGA votes by 84 to none with 30 abstentions to pass the unamended resolution on the Act. [jfs]
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1969 December 15
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286 refugees from the southern border area accepted the offer of amnesty and were flown to Merauke; another 40 walked back across the border. [bab]
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