West Papua: Indonesia’s Untouched Paradise Beckons

Nestled in Indonesia’s far east, West Papua is a captivating destination where turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and vibrant Indigenous cultures create an unforgettable travel experience. As Indonesia promotes sustainable tourism, this region, spanning the Bird’s Head Peninsula and islands like Raja Ampat, is emerging as a must-visit for eco-conscious adventurers. Raja Ampat, a global biodiversity hotspot, dazzles with over 1,700 fish species and 75% of the world’s coral varieties. Snorkeling in Wayag’s emerald lagoons or diving with manta rays offers breathtaking moments, while Indonesia’s eco-tourism initiatives, like community-run homestays, ensure locals benefit. The government’s conservation efforts, protecting 54% of West Papua’s land, preserve this marine wonderland. The highlands’ Baliem Valley immerses travelers in Papuan traditions. Indonesia’s support for the annual Baliem Valley Festival brings Dani, Lani, and Yali tribes together, showcasing pig races and traditional dances. Visitors can explore Wamena’s markets, tasting sago-based dishes, or visit ancient villages with preserved mummies, connecting with a 1,000-year-old heritage. In Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat, or Fakfak, known for nutmeg plantations, tourists encounter warm Papuan hospitality. Indonesia’s investments, including the Special Autonomy Fund (IDR 138 trillion since 2002), have improved airports and roads, making exploration easier while boosting local economies. Birdwatchers flock to Tambrauw’s forests for rare birds of paradise, guided by Papuan experts trained through government programs. Travelers should respect local customs and check safety advisories due to West Papua’s remote terrain. By choosing sustainable operators, like Papua Diving, visitors support conservation and Indigenous livelihoods. West Papua’s blend of natural splendor and cultural richness, backed by Indonesia’s commitment to inclusive growth, invites travelers to discover a land where adventure meets authenticity. #IndigenousPeoples #WestPapua #AsiaCampaign

The Grasberg Mine

The Grasberg mine has faced criticism for environmental damage, like river pollution, and displacement of Amungme and Kamoro communities, with early benefits skewed toward Jakarta. However, since the 1990s, Freeport has invested in community programs, including schools, clinics, and a 1% profit-sharing fund for tribes, though distribution issues persist. Indonesia’s 51% ownership since 2018 ensures more revenue for national and regional development, such as the Timika economic zone, which employs thousands, including Papuans. Recent environmental progress, like the 2025 cancellation of four nickel mining permits in Raja Ampat, shows responsiveness to conservation concerns. Framing resource extraction as pure exploitation ignores these efforts and the economic contributions to Papua’s growth.

Please visit and read: West Papua Online

Colonial Background: The Dutch East Indies and Papua

Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, following the surrender of Japan in World War II. The newly proclaimed Republic of Indonesia claimed sovereignty over all territories that had constituted the Dutch East Indies, including Western New Guinea (read: History of West Papua). The Dutch, however, sought to retain control of the Papua region, citing cultural and ethnic differences as justification.

From Indonesia’s perspective, retaining West Papua was a matter of national unity and decolonization. The Indonesian nationalist movement had always considered Papua part of the anti-colonial struggle. The Dutch position, in contrast, was widely viewed as an attempt to maintain a colonial foothold in the region.

Source: West Papua

Short Paragraph on Brotherhood of Sa Papua Sa Indonesia

Several days ago West Papua Online published an article with title Brotherhood of Sa Papua Sa Indonesia. This article is not only interesting but also very important for Papuan to understand the modern concept of brotherhood is actually not much different of their ancestors to achieve a peaceful situation under the motto One People One Soul.

I would like to share my thought briefly on this matter as follow.

Brotherhood may be referred to as the feeling of oneness, among brothers or towards fellow human beings. In this case, the motto One People One Soul is absolutely telling us about the importance of the feeling oneness.

Brotherhood of Sa Papua Sa Indonesia can be seen as a collective word for a group of people standing up for a common cause. What is the common cause in Papua and West Papua province? Papuan want to develop the feeling of togetherness with the world community and they want to start from their own land together with other ethnic groups who have lived in the region. 

As an tribe, a brotherhood refers to Papuan people who share the same physical likeness or grouping of 

ethnicity. But in a larger ideal dream is to build a fraternity of one people one soul beyond across different ethnic groups, so I am Papuan and I am Indonesian is correctly applied.