Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Indonesian Papuans
Eastern Indonesians of Papua-origin From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
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.
Remove ads
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]
Remove ads
Etymology
Summarize
Perspective
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]
Remove ads
Ethnic groups
Summarize
Perspective
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.[6]
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.[7]
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.[7]
Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Papua include:[8]
Highland Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Highland Papua include:[8]
Central Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Central Papua include:[8]
South Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of South Papua include:[8]
Remove ads
Languages
Summarize
Perspective
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,[10] 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,[11] as well as North Halmahera in Maluku Islands.[12][13]: 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).[14]
Cultures and traditions
Summarize
Perspective
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.[6] 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.[6]
.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.[6]
Mummification
.jpg)
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.[6] 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.[6] 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.[15]
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).[16]
Remove ads
Popular culture
Summarize
Perspective
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')
Remove ads
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
Remove ads
See also
References
External links
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads