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"The western half of the island of New Guinea has been known by many names including Netherlands New Guinea, West Papua, Irian Jaya and Papua. It is an extraordinary place where snow-capped mountains drain into massive rivers and 250 languages are spoken. Yet, despite its wild beauty and rich culture, it remains strangely forgotten. Narrated by Rachel Griffiths, Land of the Morning Star reveals the turbulent history of a troubled country, swept up in the power-play of international politics. For centuries, the world has jostled for control of this rugged, isolated region, with its abundant natural resources and strategic position. First outside contact was with the Muslims of Malacca, who came in search of slaves and the prized feathers of birds of paradise. They were followed by European spice traders staking out colonial territory. By the mid 1800s, the Dutch had secured their claim. Then during World War Two, the sleepy outpost was transformed into a massive US military base. By the 1960s, President Sukarno had made the area the 26th province of Indonesia. Today, if transmigration continues, the indigenous Melanesian people are set to become a minority in their own land. Through eyewitness accounts and rare archival film, this fascinating documentary paints a picture that is intimate in detail but epic in scope. It is a sweeping saga of colonial ambitions, cold war sellouts and fervent nationalism, which highlights the role of players such as Australia and the UN at crucial points. By providing a background to this complex story, this timely film helps us understand the reality of life today in the land of the morning star."@en
"Reveals the turbulent history of Papua (Irian Jaya) swept up, with its abundant natural resources and strategic position, in the power play of international politics. Eyewitness accounts and rare archival material help relate the saga of colonial ambitions, cold war sellouts and fervent nationalism."
"Through eyewitness accounts and rare archival film, this video reveals the turbulent history of the western half of New Guinea."@en
"For centuries, the world has jostled for control of the land now known as West Papua, a rugged, isolated region, with its abundant natural resources and strategic position. The first outside contact was with the Muslims of Malacca, who came in search of slaves and the prized feathers of the bird of paradise. They were followed by European spice traders. By the mid 1800s, The Dutch had secured their claim. During World War II, the sleepy outpost became a massive US military base. By the 60 s President Sukarno had made the area the 26th province of Indonesia. All efforts for independence have failed and the indigenous Melanesian people are about to become a minority in their own land. Through eyewitness accounts and rare archival film, this fascinating documentary paints a picture of colonial ambitions, cold war sellouts and fervent nationalism. It introduces westerners to a little known part of the world that will doubtlessly play a part in the unsettled geopolitics of Indonesia and the rest of Asia."@en
"Through eyewitness accounts and rare archival film, this film reveals the turbulent history of the western half of New Guinea."@en
"Through eyewitness accounts and rare archival film, this film reveals the turbulent history of the western half of New Guinea."
"The western half of the island of New Guinea has been known by many names including Netherlands New Guinea, West Papua, Irian Jaya and Papua. This documentary reveals the rich and turbulent history of a troubled country, swept up in the power-play of international politics. Using current and historical film clips, it highlights the role of the Netherlands, the United States, Australia, Indonesia and the UN at crucial points in the country's history. Includes interviews with exiled political leader Clemens Runaweri, among others."@en
"For centuries, the world has jostled for control of the land now known as West Papua, a rugged, isolated region, with its abundant natural resources and strategic position. The first outside contact was with the Muslims of Malacca, who came in search of slaves and the prized feathers of the bird of paradise. They were followed by European spice traders. By the mid 1800s, The Dutch had secured their claim. During World War II, the sleepy outpost became a massive US military base. By the 60s President Sukarno had made the area the 26th province of Indonesia. All efforts for independence have failed and the indigenous Melanesian people are about to become a minority in their own land. Through eyewitness accounts and rare archival film, this fascinating documentary paints a picture of colonial ambitions, cold war sellouts and fervent nationalism. It introduces westerners to a little known part of the world that will doubtlessly play a part in the unsettled geopolitics of Indonesia and the rest of Asia."@en
"The western half of the island of New Guinea has been known by many names, including Netherlands New Guinea, West Papua, Irian Jaya and Papua. It is an extraordinary place, where snow-capped mountains drain into massive rivers and 250 languages are spoken. Despite its wild beauty and rich culture, it remains strangely forgotten. This documentary reveals the turbulent history of a troubled country, swept up in the power-play of international politics. Through eyewitness accounts and rare archival film, it interweaves a dramatic and intimate, detailed picture of this large and unknown corner of the world. It is an epic of colonial ambitions, cold war sellouts and fervent nationalism, highlighting the role of players such as Australia and the UN at crucial points. The film shows the reality of life today in the land of the Morning Star."@en