Frans Kaisiepo, the first governor of Indonesia's neo-colonial government named the island according to Biak language as "Iryan". The first President of Indonesia, Sukarno changed the letter "y" with "I" and made up the word "Iryan" in Biak language means "hot island" into "Irian." He said, IRIAN is an abbreviation for Ikut (follow) Republik (Republic) Indonesia Anti Netherlands (Follow the Republic of Indonesia and anti Netherlands) While "Jaya" means "glorious." Before it became Irian Jaya, it was called Dutch New Guinea (since 1800s). (About the same time, German made northern part of East New Guinea as its colony and British for the southern part of East New Guinea. Both German and British gave their colonies to Australia and then Papua New Guinea became a nation since September 15, 1975.)After Indonesia invasion (1962), it was changed into West Irian. During Suharto's regime, he changed "West" into "Jaya." Finally, Mr Abdulrahman Wahid, current President of the Republic of Indonesia said that the word "Irian" in Arab language means "naked." (Kompas Online, January 1, 2000) He said the word "IRIAN" indicates a mock to the Melanesians in West Papua.

These changes of names for this island directly affect the people who have distinct ethnic groups, culture, languages as parts of our global comunity and civilisation. What interesting is that these changes by the neo-colonial power happen in relation to different historical and political reasons that are somewhat under a "glass-ceiling" called vested interests on West Papua.It is not just "changes of names" but violations of the human beings who live there who have a nation and a land.

POLITICAL ISSUES DURING 1999: WHAT FORCED MR WAHID TO GIVE HIS MILLENNIUM PRESENT

The political map of Indonesia has been lately shaken by its economic crises and political turmoil since 1997, led to the resignation of former military dictator Gen. Suharto. The crises become more uncontrollable and unpredictable under Habibie's presidency, until he allowed East Timor to practice their democratic self-determination that turned out more than 80% in favour of an independent East Timor. Since East Timor's independence, other provinces, including West Papua has been in line to demand the same right for self-determination.

Political platform for peaceful manner and democratic expression of speech started since Mr Habibie's leadership. A forum called "Reconciliation Forum for Irian Jaya People (FORERI) was established soon after indications came into surface that Habibie was a democratic leader and could listen to people's voice. For West Papua, it started from Mr. Habibie's agreement to meet Tribal Leaders from West Papua in his Presidential Palace in Jakarta. In front of the President with his army commander, Gen. Wiranto and his staff, the Tribal Leaders, led by Thom Beanal of the Amungme Tribe, demanded the recognition of the rights of West Papua as a people, an island, and a nation to be free from neo-colonialism in this post-colonial era.

This starting point did not achieve the target, but it began the whole process of peaceful and comprehensive dialogue between the people of West Papua and Indonesia. Habibie's respond was that tribal leaders should go back and re-think and reflect upon the demands. To facilitate the processes of rethinking and reflection of the demands, tribal leaders established Posts throughout the island called "Papua Post." This is a brave step by the tribal leaders.

Despite the threat and brutal reactions from the Indonesia military, tribal people of West Papua have done their best. Both Thom Beanal (from Amungme Tribe) and Theys Eluway (from Sentani Tribe) have stood out for their people and openly demanded the recognition of their basic human rights. There have been several meetings and sermons conducted. One of them is on December 1, 1999 when Papuan flag, The Morning Star was raised throughout the island together with the Indonesian's "Red and White" flag. In these ceremonies, they selected youths as their security force to prevent from the Indonesian army provoking the civilians that may lead to tribal or religious wars as happening in Jakarta, Borneo, and Molucas. Perhaps prentive measure taken by tribal leaders can be seen as their wise decision.

After East Timor broke away from Indonesia, Habibie was personally and politically in a dangerous position. There was a rumor of a coup by the military generals. He was regarded  giving away the integrity and unity of Indonesia. To prevent further clashes, expecially between generals who should return to Jakarta from East Timor, Habibie did a surprise move. Some hours before his resignation, he announced his decree of new provinces in Indonesia. There were two new provinces for Irian Jaya (West Irian Jaya, Central Irian Jaya, and East Irian Jaya) In response, tribal leaders, religious leaders, NGOs, and students protested this decision and called the House of Representative for Irian Jaya province to hold a special meeting in this regard. The meeting was held, and through a series of debate and discussion, they democratically refused the decision. Even the two Papuans who were appointed as new governors signed a letter, refusing their new positions.

The unity of the people at all levels of society and from all walks of life (academics, tribal leaders, religious leaders, Christians, Moslems, Papuans, non-Papuans, students, women's groups, NGOs and all people) presents the struggle for self-determination in West Papua a unique characteristic of political struggle in our civilisation. Papuan politicians are standing not for politics but with their people.

This atmosphere of unity in struggle furthermore proved by a delegation that went to Jakarta in mid December 1999. Led by its Chairman, Mr Kaiway, People's Representatives from West Papua, presented these demands (The Jakarta Post, 17 December, 1999):

At the same time, one of his deputies from the armed forces Mr Harri Sabarno indicated the significant differences between the contents of documents related to the New York Agreement adn the Act of Free Choice. He said:

Unlike Amin Rais Mr. Wahid seems tactical in responding to these processes. He seems presenting his answers in more diplomatic manners. His Excellency, Mr. President offered the Millennium Champagne and warned, "No more bottles, please! If you aske more, the next bottles will be the Bottles of Grenades, not of Champagne!"

OTHER EVENTS IN SUPPORT TO WEST PAPUA CASE
In line with the progress and dynamic of political atmosphere in Indonesia in general and in West Papua in particular, West Papua people abroad and international governments have stated their support for resolving the "Unresolved Land, People and Nation." One of Australia's MP stated in a Press Release held by the OPM International Spokesperson that he supports the case of West Papua for re-examination.

At the same time, the West Papua People's Front in Holland held a peaceful demonstration asking the Dutch and Indonesian governments to re-examine the Act of Free Choice and the New York Agreement. As a response, the foreign minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands said at the end of last century, "The problem [related to the Dutch New Guinea/West Papua] is an unfinished business. "

Meanwhile, another peaceful demonstration was held in Jakarta, by hoisting West Papua flag in the House of Representative's building and submitting the demand from Papua Students Alliance. As response, Mr. Amin Rais signed the demands and said, he personally as a fellow human being understands the problems and the demands and he approved the demands as reasonable and need further discussions at the national level. He was quoted saying: "I support your demands as a person, but I must admit that these demands will be discussed with the members of the Assembly." There was also a rumour that the second Presiden of Indonesia, Gen. Suharto had made several promises to previous Papuan leaders such as Isaac Hindom, Bas Suebu, and Yorris Raweyai that he will give the chance for the people of West Papua to determine their future in a "democratic manner." He was quoted by one of the leaders, "I am morally responsible for your problems. I need to make sure that they are resolved."

BRUTALITY OF INDONESIAN MILITARY STILL CONTINUES
Despite these peaceful manner of expressions from the people of West Papua, Indonesia has not yet learnt any lesson from these tribal people and the past mistakes that are being demanded for responsibility from Jakarta. The army and police still continuously intimidating and murdering their own people. Hundreds of people have been killed in Molucas in less than 3 months. In West Papua, there are also some brutality reported. In December 2, 1999, two civilians were killed by Indonesia military in Timika. Timika is the most troubled area, where military tanks and Indonesia special forces are placed. This is where the giant copper and gold mining activities have been going on in the last 50 years. Freeport MacMoRan (American) and Rio Tinto Zink (Anglo-American) have been mining even before Indonesia's invasion into West Papua was illegally approved. One of the victims was old woman. Before this, two were killed in Manokwari during a peaceful demonstration that led to riot.

Furthermore, a report by phone lately said that in Nabire, some arms were discovered kept secretly by transmigrants. Papuan security force found them and handed those guns to their tribal leader (Theys Eluway) in Jayapura. Also, in late December 1999, a hand-made grenade was found under the table of a Papuan Transport Police Officer in Jayapura. This was suspected as a deliberate attempt to provoke the emotion of the people against Indonesia military or against outsiders. Jakarta was also alleged paying two Papuans to declare war against their own tribal leaders (Thom and Theys). Both Ansanai and Tanati threatened their tribal leaders and stated the attempt to free West Papua from Indonesia will lead to tribal wars. They said the invasion of West Papua was legal and according to the New York Agreement. (See below)

In addition, both Theys and Thom were said to be questioned by Police for their peaceful demonstration on December 1, 1999.

AN UNFINISHED BUSINESS REGARDING MELANESIA AS A PEOPLE, AS A LAND, AND AS A NATION
Current policies of Mr. Wahid may suggest as some of the steps to restore the image and reputation of Indonesia in this new millennium. This is a further step forward by current President, after releasing 64 political prisoners last month (last millennium). It can be said that Mr. Wahid has started this millennium with more humane steps and shown his commitment and respect to people, the land and the nation of West Papua.

The Melanesians are waiting for His Excellency's further steps to restore Indonesia's image and reputation to the international community, at least to the Melanesians in West Papua and also across the Pacific and to the whole humanity and civilisation.

Mr. Wahid as a person, as a religious leader, as the President, and as a human has proven his courage and concrete steps to resolve the issues. He has done his best and his "bits" under his limited capacity and power given by his people and his nation.

Furthermore, it is, therefore, impossible to expect every solution to come from Mr. Wahid as a person. It is unwise either to put pressure on Jakarta as the neo-colonial regime to offer solutions for West Papua case. We cannot only blame the military of Indonesia for their brutality either. This is a global village with a global community within a global system. This is our global "unfinished business," a global sin that has not yet confessed and forgiven from the 20th century.

The unresolved issues in West Papua do not only depend on Indonesia and Mr Wahid. It was Dutch that handed over the innocent and ignorant people, land and nation to Indonesia. It was the United States that mediated the New York Agreement and other things tied to it. It was the United Nations that approved an obviously illegal occupation of a people, a land and a nation. It is the World Bank that supports social-engineering programmes in this island. It the World Wildlife Fund that is more concerned about the plants and animals than the humans who live there. It is the International Committee of Red Cross that betrayed this people on May 8, 1996. It is the world's governments that close their eyes to see what is going on. It is the hearts of modern states that do not listen to the cries. It is the mouth of this civilisation that does not say anything about humanitarian crises in West Papua.

If only all politics and governance of the nation-states in the whole world and in this civilised era were based on the moral values and ethical policies, will we restore our bad images that we established in the last century. The 20th century was the century of colonialism, neo-colonialism, slavery, poverty, exploitation, disaster and warship. This century should be the century for peace and harmony among human beings and with all beings.

It is therefore, perhaps sensible to suggest, ask and urge the United Nations, the United States, the Netherlands, and Jakarta with other governments, politicians, activists, and ordinary people world-wide to support West Papua people in their struggles for the respect of their basic human rights. The struggle for re-examining what the Dutch foreign minister calls "unfinished business" related to West Papua as a people, as a land and as a nation is our old-story but appears in front-page of our civilisation's New Millennium history book.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

THE PEOPLE
Even though the island was visited in 1500, the contact with the highlands of Irja only occurred in early 1960s after a report given by an American geologist-pilot, Richard Archbold, who was surveying the area was given to the National Geographic in 1949. The churches made their first contacts by Catalina Seaplane and reached the Baliem Valley in late 1950s. As a result, most of the tribes were converted to Christianity since then and the missionaries started establishing literacy programmes. Some ten years later, formal primary schools were opened. (Hayward 1980) Thus, quite significant number of the highlanders has never been to schools so far. Even their neighbouring tribes still regard them as 'primitive' or "undeveloped" people. Most people in Java, Sumatra and Bali regard these tribes as cannibals and hunter-gatherers. The Daily Mail, dated Friday, April 23rd, (1999:35) reported the same issue with its article entitled "In Search of the lost cannibal women." The article is a typical example how outsiders see and describe us in Irja highlands and remote villages.

The tribe, consisting of at least 20 women, female babies and young girls, are said to hunt with spears, bows and arrows and a pack of fearsome dogs. Once out of sight and sound of their villages, the men are tied up and taken at spearpoint to the women's temporary camp. There, they are forced to mate with the Bok women before being killed and eaten. ...the Bok would probably hunt for more traditional foods in the same way as other tribes - shooting the cassowary bird with arrows and spearing fish. 'According to what I have been told, the Bok women have a highly developed sense of smell.'

The sentences show the misrepresentation and misinterpretation of Melanesians in Irja. The reporter is an Australian who received accounts from an Indonesian army, who reported to the journalist very much based on his own misinterpretation and misrepresentation of the Melanesian tribal people. Thus, the concept of this Indonesian army regarding Melanesian people was represented in his accounts to the journalist. The situation is exaggerated. However, most people, of course, will believe this account. Under this kind of conception that policies and plans for development for Irja are designed and implemented.

ETHNIC/LANGUAGE
Ethnically, people of West Papua are sometimes referred to as Papuans and most often Melanesians. They are closely related to the Aborigines in Australia.

West Papua has about 245 different languages and ethnic groups. The highlands are the densely populated regions, where the majority and bigger tribes such as Lani and Mee live. Missionary-Anthropologist, Hayward (1980) reported Lani as the biggest tribe and Lani has about 80,000 speakers out of total Irja population 1.5 million people. Some of the languages in the island consist of 30 to less than about 50,000 speakers. The languages in the island are divided into two major groups: Papua and Austronesia phylum. Papuan languages have the Subject + Object + Verb (SOV) structure and have tenses. While the Austronesians have no tenses but have the SVO form, such as Biak and Indonesian.

POLITICS
Indonesia became independent from the Dutch in 1945 and legally approved by the UN in 1949. More than fifteen years later (in 1962), Indonesia invaded the Dutch New Guinea, claiming that the previous Dutch colonies are all Indonesia's territories. Even though Dutch New Guinea was declared as an independent nation on December 1, 1961, and then July 1, 1970, Indonesia ignored these declarations. I addition to Indonesia's ignorance, the United States and the United Nations appeared to be in support to Jakarta invasion and regime. It appeared that under the threat of the communism in the Pacific and after the defeat of the United States in the Vietnam War, US foreign policy allowed Indonesia to invade the Dutch New Guinea.

As far as politics in Irja is concerned, there have been a lot of human rights violations such as rape, detention, intimidation, disappearance, torture, mass murder, and oppression by the Indonesian government towards Melanesians since its invasion. The lands of the tribal peoples have been taken for development, road construction, transmigration settlements and office buildings. There has been a great deal of environmental destruction and exploitation of natural resources such as the biggest gold and copper mine company Freeport MacMoRan, Inc. and Mamberamo Dam Megaproject. Basically, the rights of the tribal people have been ignored in the whole policies in Indonesia, including the right to include Melanesian culture in the EFL materials. Even the right to live in their lands is taken away since the neo-colonialism era under Indonesia. These policies and realities are in principle in contrast to the tribal ways of life that regards the harmony between humans and nature as the primary measurement of human behaviour.

There have been protests by the tribal peoples in their ways against the policies that ignore their ways of life and their lives as native people in Irja. The responses from the Indonesian government against any kind of disagreement or protest by Melanesians against these violations have been staggering. The natives have been seen as committing acts of terror against world development and against the policies of global nation-states and governments. Their voices are seen as reactions of tribal and primitive people who do not understand their real needs in this modern world. Native people have been regarded as cannibals that need to understand the message of developments and progress. There have been policies that are systematically aimed at obliterating Irian Jaya as a people because they regard native Melanesians as primitive, hunter-gatherers, cannibals, and uncivilised. These have been happening in co-operation with and by the support of some nations in the world who agree with these terms in referring to Melanesians. And these have been almost ignored and justified as "good" for the sake of developments. For examples, the World Bank has supported the transmigration programmes and the World Wildlife Fund has been working with the Indonesian government to push tribal people away from their lands for the sake of conservation. (Budiardjo, 1984, Wewo 1999, Start 1997, Monbiot 1989, and Osborne, 1984, WWF?) Therefore, in these social, cultural, political and environmental circumstances, presenting programmes under the control of Java and Bali socio-cultural values and contexts to the Melanesians in Irja appears to be and can be viewed as one of the systematic policies to obliterate Irian Jaya as a people.