Papua

Papua refers to the western half of the island of New Guinea, comprising the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua. It is distinct from the independent nation of Papua New Guinea to the east.

Geography and environment: The region encompasses coastal areas, tropical rainforests, and highland ecosystems in the central mountain ranges. The highest peak is Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) at 4,884 meters in the Sudirman Range. The area is among the world’s most biodiverse, with extensive rainforests and a wide array of flora and fauna. More than 250 languages are spoken among hundreds of indigenous communities.

History and politics: Indigenous peoples have long inhabited the region. It came under Dutch influence in the 19th century and was incorporated into Indonesia in the late 1960s after the Act of Free Choice. The area was previously known as Irian Jaya and was renamed Papua in the early 2000s. West Papua Province was established in 2007. The region has experienced political tension, autonomy debates, and varying levels of separatist activity, alongside ongoing processes of governance and development within Indonesia.

Economy and society: The economy is heavily oriented toward natural resources, including mining, forestry, and fishing. The Grasberg mine in Papua Province is one of the world’s largest gold–c Copper deposits and is a major driver of regional and national economic activity. Development projects, land rights, environmental impact, and the livelihoods of local communities are central issues in the region.