According to Papua Acting Governor Ramses Limbong, May 1 will always be "a historic day for the Papua land and the Indonesian nation."
"I ask all the people of Papua, including traditional, religious, and women representatives, as well as local institutions, to strengthen dialogue, brotherhood, and peace on this 'Land of Bird-of-Paradise,'" Limbong stated while referring to Papua's moniker.
The acting governor called on everyone to unite and contribute to inclusive development in Papua, inspired by the spirit of Unity in Diversity. "A peace preserved translates into better economic growth," he affirmed.
To mark the anniversary, the Papuan provincial authority and the local organization Barisan Merah Putih Papua (Red-and-White Front) organized a fun walk at the Papua Governor's Office here.
Meanwhile, Papua's Jayapura District authority viewed the anniversary of Papua's integration into Indonesia as a reminder to reinforce unity and collaboration.
"The day serves as a reminder to us that Papua is an integral part of Indonesia, and we are all responsible for its integrity and developing the region together," Jayapura District's Communication and Informatics Office Head, Gustaf Giriapon, stated.
He also encouraged Papua's younger generation to uphold the spirit of integration and unity and "reject all divisive provocations."
On May 1, 1963, the western half of New Guinea Island was formally transferred to the Republic of Indonesia after a period of the United Nations' temporary administration over the land, which followed Dutch control when the territory was known as "Netherlands New Guinea."
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Translator: Qadri Pratiwi, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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