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Taras Shevchenko
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| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Western New Guinea | ± 2,693,630 (2010)[1] |
| Languages | |
Native:Also:
| |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly: Also: | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
According to the official Indonesian law,[2] Papuans more specifically indigenous Papuans or native Papuans[2] are the common native-derived internationalized endonym in Indonesian English for the Native Eastern Indonesians of Papua-origin (as opposed to “New Guineans” term coined by the British colonizers). They are closely related to the Oceanians (and to some extent, the Australian Aboriginals), who natively inhabited the Eastern Indonesian provinces of Central Papua, Highland Papua, Southwest Papua, West Papua, South Papua, and Papua in Indonesia (which historically part of the larger Sahul palaeocontinent). They natively speak numerous languages belonging to Austronesian languages or Papuan languages, 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]
Etymology
There are several theories on the origin of the term Papua. One theory is that the name comes from the word Papo Ua shortened from Papo Ua Gam Sio, a Tidorese term which means 'the nine sio (negeri) not being united/joined together', referring to the region under Sultanate of Tidore influence which has competing settlements.[3] The other theory is the term originated from Biak sup i babwa lit. 'the land below' the sunset, referring to the Raja Ampat Islands as Biak people historically migrated west to these islands from their homeland in the Biak Islands. They claimed themselves to be kawasa ori sar lit. 'people from the sunrise'. Babwa in Raja Ampat dialects became Papwa and then Papua. These two theories may be related, as the term can also means 'the subjected land' according to the Ma'ya (non-Biak) Salawati King, one of the four kings, whose ancestor Gurabesi migrated from Biak 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]
Terminology
After the passing of the Special Autonomy Law in 2001, the term "Native Papuan" (Orang Asli Papua, shortened to "OAP") was legally introduced to refer to specifically indigenous tribes from Western New Guinea,[6] as the term Orang Papua has expanded to include migrants and their intermarried descendants who were born in Papua but don't belong to any indigenous tribes from New Guinea. Most Papuan tribes, 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 confers OAP status.[8]
Ethnic groups
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]
West Papua
Papuan ethnic groups / tribes in the Indonesian province of West Papua include: Arfak (Hatam, Meyah, Moile, dan Sougb), Borai, Numfor Doreri, Irarutu, Koiwai, Kuri, Madewana, Mairasi, Maniwak, Mbaham-Matta, Miere, Moru, Moskona, Napiti, Oburauw, Roon, Roswar, Sebyar (Damban & Kemberan) , Soviar, Sumuri, Wamesa, Warumba, Waruri, Wondama.[10]
Southwest Papua
Papuan ethnic groups / tribes in the Indonesian province of Southwest Papua include Abun, Ambel, Batanta, Biak (Betew, Kafdaron, Bikar, Usba, Wardo), Biga, Butlih, Domu, Fiawat, Imekko (Inanwatan-Bira, Matemani-Iwaro, Kais-Awe, Kokoda-Emeyode), Irires, Ma'ya (Kawe, Langanyan, Wawiyai), Matbat, Maybrat (Ayamaru, Mare, Karon Dori-Miyah, Aifat, Aytinyo), Moi-Ma'ya, Moi, Mpur, Nerigo, Tehit, Tepin, Yahadian, Yaben-Konda.[10]
Papua
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 Regency |
Highland Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Highland Papua include:[11]
| Jayawijaya Regency | |
|---|---|
| Pegunungan Bintang Regency | |
| Tolikara Regency |
|
| Yahukimo Regency |
|
Central Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Central Papua include:[11]
| Mimika Regency |
|
|---|---|
| Nabire Regency[12] |
|
| Painai Regency | |
| Puncak Jaya Regency |
|
South Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of South Papua include:[11]
| Merauke Regency |
|
|---|---|
| Asmat Regency |
|
| Mappi Regency |
|
| Boven Digoel Regency |
Languages
According to the official Indonesian national linguistic data, there are at least 428 living Papuan languages (and 37 Papua-based isolate languages) natively spoken by the Papuans in Indonesia alone belonging to either Austronesian or Papuan (non-Austronesian) language families,[13] making it the most linguistically diverse community in Indonesia. The Papuan languages are also spoken in the vicinity islands by the diasporic or descendants of Papuan community, such as Timor–Alor–Pantar in Timor, Alor, and Pantar,[14] as well as North Halmahera in Maluku Islands.[15][16]: 20 Papuan languages are at some extent related to the Aboriginal Australian languages, particularly Pama–Nyungan spoken in Northern Australia.
As part of the Indonesian nationals, the Papuans also speak Indonesian, it is an official and unified national language of Indonesia, which also spoken by their fellow Papuans in closest neighbouring country (Papua New Guinea).[17]
Cultures and traditions
Carving
Carving (especially wood 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 like Asmat, Kamoro, and Sentani. These carvings are deeply symbolic and often tied to spiritual beliefs, ancestral worship, and daily life.[9]
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]
Mummification
In some highland communities, such as the Dani tribespeople in the Baliem Valley, mummification called akonipuk 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
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 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 2012.[18]
It is also inspired the Noken 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 hanging Noken).[19]
Popular culture
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.
Movies
- Denias, Senandung di Atas Awan (2006) (lit. 'Denias, the Hum Above the Clouds')
- Tanah Mama (2015) (lit. 'the Land of Mother')
- Zabur (Bukan) Nabi (2023) (lit. 'Psalm (Not) the Prophet')
Notable people
A
- Abdul Hakim Achmad Aituarauw, member of Indonesian People's Representative Council
B
- Boaz Solossa, Indonesian footballer
E
- Elie Aiboy, former Indonesian footballer
F
- Frans Kaisiepo, 4th Governor of Papua and National Hero of Indonesia
- Freddy Numberi, Indonesian politician and former Minister of Transportation
M
- Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan, King of Sekar and National Hero of Indonesia
- Marlina Flassy, Indonesian anthropologist and the first woman to be appointed Dean of Cenderawasih University
N
- Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, Indonesian badminton player and 2014 Asian Games women's doubles gold medalist
- Nowela Auparay, professional singer and Indonesian Idol winner
R
- Raema Lisa Rumbewas, Indonesian weightlifter and silver medallist at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics
- Ricky Kambuaya, Indonesian footballer
S
- Saiful Islam Al-Payage, Indonesian Islamic preacher
T
- Titus Bonai, Indonesian footballer
See also
References
- ^ "Kewarganegaraan Suku Bangsa, Agama, Bahasa 2010" (PDF). demografi.bps.go.id. Badan Pusat Statistik. 2010. pp. 23, 36–41. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-07-12. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
- ^ a b c "House: Papua Special Autonomy Law Gives More Authority to Papuans". Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia. 2021.
- ^ Wanggai, Tony V.M. (2008). Rekonstruksi Sejarah Islam di Tanah Papua (PDF) (Thesis) (in Indonesian). UIN Syarif Hidayatullah. p. 65. Retrieved 2022-01-30.
- ^ Sollewijn Gelpke, J.H.F. (1993). "On the origin of the name Papua". Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde / Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences of Southeast Asia. 149 (2). Brill: 318–332. doi:10.1163/22134379-90003129. ISSN 0006-2294.
- ^ Remijsen, Albert C.L. (2001). Word-prosodic systems of Raja Ampat languages. Utrecht: LOT 2001. pp. 171–183. ISBN 90-76864-09-8.
- ^ "UU Otonomi Khusus Papua" (PDF). www.walhi.or.id. 2001-11-21. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
- ^ "Mengetahui Orang Asli Papua". beritapapua.id. 2022-07-13. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
- ^ Nugroho, Bagus Prihantoro (2018-07-24). "Raja Kaimana: Pigai Tahu Ngabalin Asli Papua, Jangan Politisir!". detiknews (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2022-05-07.
- ^ a b c d e f "West Papua's Ancient Tribes". Indo Yachts. 2018.
- ^ a b Ronsumbre, Adolof (2020). Ensiklopedia Suku Bangsa di Provinsi Papua Barat. Yogyakarta: Penerbit Kepel Press. ISBN 978-602-356-318-0.
- ^ a b c d "Pemerintah Provinsi Papua". www.papua.go.id. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ^ "Bupati Mesak Siap Bangun Asrama Siswa Suku Terasing di Nabire – Pemerintah Kabupaten Nabire". Pemerintah Kabupaten Nabire – "Nabire Aman, Mandiri dan Sejahtera". Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ "Risiko Kepunahan Bahasa Daerah Papua Meningkat, Kemendikbudristek Dorong Revitalisasi" [The Risk of Papuan Languages Extinction is Rising, the Indonesian Ministry of Education-Research-and Technology Supports the Revitalization] (in Indonesian). Ministry of Education, Research and Technology of Indonesia. 2022.
- ^ Donohue, Mark (2008-01-03). "The Papuan Language of Tambora". Oceanic Linguistics. 46 (2): 520–537. doi:10.1353/ol.2008.0014. ISSN 1527-9421. S2CID 26310439.
- ^ Pawley, Andrew; Hammarström, Harald (2018). "The Trans New Guinea family". In Palmer, Bill (ed.). The Languages and Linguistics of the New Guinea Area: A Comprehensive Guide. The World of Linguistics. Vol. 4. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. pp. 21–195. ISBN 978-3-11-028642-7.
- ^ van Staden, Miriam; Reesink, Ger (2008). "Serial verb constructions in a linguistic area". In Senft, Gunter (ed.). Serial verb constructions in Austronesian and Papuan languages. Pacific Linguistics 594. Canberra: Pacific Linguistics, Research School Of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University. pp. 17–54. ISBN 978-0-85883-591-7. OCLC 271765117.
- ^ "The French Language Celebrated in Papua New Guinea". Coopération Régionale et Relations Extérieures de la Nouvelle-Calédonie.
- ^ "Noken multifunctional knotted or woven bag: Handcraft of the people of Papua". United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Retrieved 21 October 2019.
- ^ Simon Butt (2015). The Constitutional Court and Democracy in Indonesia. BRILL. p. 169. ISBN 9789004250598.
External links
Media related to People of Papua at Wikimedia Commons
