Overview
This lecture covers the life, contributions, and legacy of Frans Kaisiepo, an important figure in the Indonesian national independence movement from Papua.
Early Life and Background
- Frans Kaisiepo was born in Biak, Papua on October 10, 1921.
- He became involved in the Indonesian national independence movement during his youth.
Role in Indonesian Independence
- Frans Kaisiepo fought to unite Papua with Indonesia after the proclamation of independence.
- On August 31, 1945, he and his colleagues raised the Indonesian flag and sang the national anthem in Jayapura.
- He formed the Independent Indonesia Party on July 10, 1946.
Participation in Key Events
- Kaisiepo attended the Malino Conference in South Sulawesi as the only Papuan delegate.
- He proposed the name "Irian" (meaning community spirit) to replace "Papua."
- He opposed the creation of the State of East Indonesia and Dutch colonial policies.
- Led an anti-Dutch movement in Biak in 1948.
Imprisonment and Continued Struggle
- Kaisiepo refused to be the Dutch representative for New Guinea, leading to his imprisonment from 1954 to 1961.
- He established the Irian Political Party to promote integration with Indonesia.
Later Achievements and Legacy
- Supported the Trikora operation in 1961 and contributed to Indonesia regaining West Irian (Papua).
- Became the first Governor of Irian Jaya (Papua) from 1964 to 1973.
- Helped organize the Act of Free Choice (Pepera), resulting in Papua joining Indonesia.
- Died on April 10, 1976, and was buried at Cendrawasih Heroes Cemetery in Jayapura.
- Declared a National Hero in 1993 and commemorated on the 10,000 rupiah note, Biak airport, and an Indonesian Navy ship.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Frans Kaisiepo — Papuan independence activist and first Governor of Irian Jaya.
- Malino Conference — 1946 meeting to discuss Indonesia's future status with Dutch and Indonesian representatives.
- Trikora — Military operation to reclaim West Irian from Dutch control.
- Pepera (Act of Free Choice) — 1969 event where Papuans decided to join Indonesia.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the life and legacy of Frans Kaisiepo for further study.
- Learn the significance of the Malino Conference and Pepera in Indonesian history.