Original: It was previously known by various names , including Netherlands New Guinea ( 1895 -- 1 October 1962 ) , West New Guinea ( 1 October 1962 -- 1 May 1963 ) , West Irian ( 1 May 1963 -- 1973 ) , and Irian Jaya ( 1973 -- 2000 ) .
Simplified: It was previously known by various names , including Netherlands New Guinea ( until 1962 ) , West Irian ( 1962-1973 ) , and Irian Jaya ( 1973-2000 ) .