 A Papuan man in his traditional clothes. | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Western New Guinea (provinces ofCentral Papua,Highland Papua,Southwest Papua,West Papua,South Papua,Papua) | ± 2,693,630 (2010)[1] |
| Languages | |
| NativeNon-native | |
| Religion | |
Predominantly
| |
| Related ethnic groups | |
According to the officialIndonesian law,[2]Papuans more specificallyindigenous Papuans ornative Papuans,[2] are the commonnative-derivedinternationalized endonym inIndonesian English for the native Indonesians ofPapua-origin (as opposed to "New Guineans" term coined by the British colonizers). They are closely related to theOceanians (and to some extent, theAustralian Aboriginals), who natively inhabited theEastern Indonesian provinces ofCentral Papua,Highland Papua,Southwest Papua,West Papua,South Papua, andPapua in Indonesia (which historically part of the largerSahul palaeocontinent). They natively speak their own native language belonging to eitherAustronesian orPapuan language families, each with its distinctive and unique linguistic features that may only be found on the island.
The Papuans are one of the indigenous people of Indonesia that are protected under the national law by the government of Indonesia, to ensure their stability in economic and development.[2]
There are several theories on the origin of the termPapua. One theory is that the name comes from the wordPapo Ua shortened fromPapo Ua Gam Sio, aTidorese term which means 'the ninesio (negeri) not being united/joined together', referring to the region underSultanate of Tidore influence which has competing settlements.[3] The other theory is the term originated fromBiaksup i babwa (lit. 'the land below the sunset'), referring to theRaja Ampat Islands asBiak people historically migrated west to these islands from their homeland in theBiak Islands. They claimed themselves to bekawasa ori sar (lit. 'people from the sunrise').Babwa in Raja Ampat dialects becamePapwa and thenPapua. These two theories may be related, as the term can also means 'the subjected land' according to theMa'ya (non-Biak)Salawati King, one of the four kings, whose ancestorGurabesi migrated fromBiak and conquered these islands under the name of Tidore Sultan and became the intermediaries between settlements on New Guinea coast and Tidore in collecting tributes and trades.[4][5]
After the passing of theSpecial Autonomy Law [id] in 2001, the term "Native Papuan" (Orang Asli Papua, shortened to "OAP") was legally introduced to refer to specifically indigenous peoples fromWestern New Guinea,[6] as the term "Orang Papua" (lit. 'Papuan people') has expanded to include migrants and their intermarried descendants who were born inPapua but don't belong to any indigenous tribes from New Guinea. Most Papuan peoples, with exceptions, are patrilineal and do not recognise matrilineal descents as members, as they do not carry the clan names.[7] Though contentious, recognition by a tribal adat council can accommodate female descents and confersOAP status.[8]
The Papuans grouped into numerous ethnicities, they possess various cultures and traditions. They are originally tribal community, shared different customs to one another, living in different isolated areas within the region.[9]Austronesian-speaking peoples listed below are italicised.
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of West Papua include:Arfak (Hatam [id],Meyah [id],Moile [id], danSougb [id]), Borai,Numfor-Doreri,Irarutu [id],Koiwai,Kuri [id], Madewana, Mairasi, Maniwak,Mbaham-Matta [id],Miere [id], Moru,Moskona [id], Napiti, Oburauw,Roon [id], Roswar,Sebyar (Damban-Kimbaran) [id] , Soviar, Sumuri,Wamesa,Warumba,Waruri,Wondama [id].[10]
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Southwest Papua includeAbun,Ambel [id],Batanta,Biak (Betew [id],Kafdaron [id],Bikar [id],Usba [id],Wardo [id]),Biga,Butlih [id], Domu,Duriankere,Gebe (Gag),Fiawat [id], Imekko (Inanwatan-Bira, Matemani-Iwaro,Kais [id],Awe [id],Kokoda-Emeyode [id]), Irires,Ma'ya [id] (Kawe, Klanafat, Laganyan, Wawiyai),Matbat-Matlow,Maybrat (Ayamaru, Mare,Karon Dori-Miyah [id],Aifat [id], Aitinyo,Wayer),Moi-Ma'ya, Moi,Mpur [id], Nerigo,Tehit,Tepin [id], Yahadian,Yaben-Konda.[10]
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Papua include:[11]
| Jayapura City |
|
|---|---|
| Jayapura Regency |
|
| Sarmi Regency |
|
| Keerom Regency |
|
| Biak Numfor Regency |
|
| Waropen Regency |
|
| Yapen Islands Regency |
|
| Mamberamo Raya Regency |
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province ofHighland Papua include:[11]
| Jayawijaya Regency | |
|---|---|
| Yalimo Regency | |
| Pegunungan Bintang Regency | |
| Tolikara Regency |
|
| Yahukimo Regency |
|
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province ofCentral Papua include:[11]
| Deiyai Regency | |
|---|---|
| Dogiyai Regency | |
| Intan Jaya Regency | |
| Mimika Regency | |
| Nabire Regency[12] | |
| Paniai Regency[13] | |
| Puncak Regency | |
| Puncak Jaya Regency |
|
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province ofSouth Papua include:[11]
| Merauke Regency |
|
|---|---|
| Asmat Regency |
|
| Mappi Regency |
|
| Boven Digoel Regency |
According to the official Indonesian national linguistic data, there are at least 428 living Papuan languages (and 37 Papua-basedisolate languages) natively spoken by the Papuans in Indonesia alone belonging to eitherPapuan orAustronesian language families,[14] making it the most linguistically diverse community in Indonesia. Papuan languages are also spoken outside of New Guinea such as theTimor–Alor–Pantar speakers inTimor,Alor, andPantar,[15] as well asNorth Halmahera inMaluku Islands.[16][17]: 20
As part of the Indonesian nationals, the Papuans also speakIndonesian, it is anofficial andnational language of Indonesia, and its regional dialects such asPapuan Malay andSerui Malay, which also spoken by their fellowPapuans inPapua New Guinea, especially in the border areas.[18]
Carving (especiallywood carving) in Indonesian Papuan culture is not merely decorative—it embodies a deep connection to the spirit world, tradition, and community identity.[9] It is a significant artistic and cultural tradition among many Indigenous Papuan communities in Indonesia, especially in regions likeAsmat, Kamoro, and Sentani. These carvings are deeply symbolic and often tied to spiritual beliefs, ancestral worship, and daily life.[9]
.jpg)
Among the Asmat Papuans, for example, wood carving is highly developed and serves ritual purposes. They create bis poles, tall carved wooden poles made to honor ancestors and used in funerary ceremonies. The carvings typically depict human figures, animals, and mythological symbols representing strength, protection, and spiritual connection. Meanwhile, Sentani artists are famous for carving motifs into wooden bark paintings and household items, often featuring spiral patterns and stylized figures.[9]
.jpg)
In some highland communities, such as the Dani tribespeople in the Baliem Valley,mummification calledakonipuk [id] is a traditional practice used to honor and preserve the bodies of important tribal leaders or warriors.[9] The process involves smoking the corpse over a fire for weeks to dry and preserve it, often in a sitting position. These mummies are then kept in special huts and are considered sacred, symbolizing ancestral strength and leadership. This tradition is now rare and mostly preserved as cultural heritage.[9] Similar mummification traditions are practiced by the Mee, the Moni, the Lani, the Eipo, among others.
Noken, the traditional knitted or woven bag, an invention of the Indonesian Papuan people, is internationally inscribed as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by theUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 2012.[19]
It is also inspired theNoken system, a unique electoral method used in Indonesia. Instead of individual voting, community leaders (Papuan tribal chiefs) vote on behalf of their people, often through consensus or traditional customs. This system respects local indigenous Papuan traditions and emphasizes communal decision-making rather than individual ballots. This system also known colloquially as 'Papuan hanging bag system' (named after the hangingNoken).[20]
Indonesian Papuans have gained increasing recognition in popular culture (nationwide in Indonesia and internationally), particularly in the movie and music industries. In Indonesian cinema, Papuan actors have been cast in leading roles, portraying authentic stories from their communities and highlighting the region's unique cultural identity. In the music scene, Papuan artists have also emerged in mainstream competitions and platforms, showcasing powerful vocals and distinct musical styles rooted in their heritage. This growing representation reflects a broader movement toward inclusion and appreciation of Papua's contributions to Indonesia's cultural diversity.
Media related toPeople of Papua at Wikimedia Commons