When Indonesia became independent of Dutch colonial rule in 1949 , the territory of West New Guinea, known to the local people as Papua was retained by the Netherlands.
In 1961 , the People adopted a declaration of independence. However, after a transitional UN Administration, West New Guinea was brought under the Indonesian government in 1963 .
In 1969 , a poll held under questionable circumstances confirmed its permanent incorporation into the Republic of Indonesia as a new province.
In 1973 , the province was renamed Irian Java (Victorious Irian)
With Eastern New Guinea acquired its independence in 1975 as Papua New Guinea, the People of Irian Java also cherished independence.