Overview
This lecture introduces Frans Kaisiepo, a key figure in Indonesia's national independence movement from Papua, highlighting his contributions to Indonesian unity and his legacy.
Biography of Frans Kaisiepo
- Frans Kaisiepo was born in Biak on October 10, 1921.
- He became the first governor of Irian (Papua) from 1964 to 1973.
- During his youth, he was a prominent independence fighter in Papua.
Role in Indonesian Independence
- Kaisiepo and his colleagues fought to unite Papua with Indonesia after the national proclamation of independence in 1945.
- On August 14, 1945, he listened to the Indonesian national anthem in Jayapura.
- On August 31, 1945, Kaisiepo led a flag-raising and anthem ceremony in Papua.
- He formed the Independent Indonesia Party on July 10, 1946.
- Kaisiepo attended the Malino Conference as the only Papuan delegate for major independence negotiations.
Contributions and Legacy
- He proposed the name "Irian," meaning unity in the Biak language, to replace "Papua."
- He rejected the Dutch proposal for the State of East Indonesia.
- Kaisiepo led movements against Dutch rule and was imprisoned by the Dutch from 1954 to 1961.
- He helped merge Papua into Indonesia, notably during the Trikora operation and after the New York Agreement in 1963.
- After the Pepera (Act of Free Choice), Papua officially joined Indonesia.
Honors and Remembrance
- Frans Kaisiepo died on April 10, 1976, and was buried in the Cendrawasih Heroes Cemetery, Jayapura.
- He was declared a national hero in Presidential Decree No. 77/2010.
- His image appears on the 10,000 rupiah banknote and at Biak Airport and an Indonesian Navy ship.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Irian — Name for Papua proposed by Kaisiepo, meaning unity in the Biak language.
- Malino Conference — A key negotiation meeting for Indonesian independence attended by Kaisiepo.
- Trikora Operation — Indonesian military campaign to reclaim West Irian (Papua) from Dutch control.
- Pepera (Act of Free Choice) — The 1969 referendum that led to Papua joining Indonesia.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the life and contributions of other Indonesian national heroes for comparison.
- Prepare for a discussion or written reflection on the significance of Kaisiepo's legacy.