Central Papua

Central Papua is an Indonesian province located in the central region of Western New Guinea.

It was formally established on 25 July 2022. The new province was created from eight western regencies that previously belonged to the province of Papua. It covers a massive area of 61,079.59 square kilometers. By mid-2025, the population was estimated at 1,492,290 people. This population includes 793,480 males and 698,810 females. The number of residents grows by about 18,500 people every year.

The province is surrounded by several other Indonesian provinces. To the west lies West Papua. To the north and northeast is the province of Papua. Highland Papua borders the east side. South Papua is located to the southeast. The land is also bordered by seas to both the north and the south. The administrative capital sits in the Wanggar District of Nabire Regency. However, Timika in the Mimika Regency is a larger town. The traditional name for this region is Mee Pago – Saireri.

The geography of Central Papua changes significantly across its landscape. The northern lowlands are adjacent to the Teluk Cenderawasih National Park. This area offers great potential for marine tourism. Visitors can see coral reefs and white sandy islands there. You might even find whale sharks in their natural habitat.

In contrast, the southern part is mostly swampy terrain. This area contains the port of Amamapare and the large town of Timika. The central region is dominated by the Jayawijaya Mountains. These mountains include Puncak Jaya, which is the highest peak in Indonesia.

History in the region involves complex trade and cultural influences. Since the 18th century, the western Mimika region felt the influence of the Tidore Sultanate. This influence reached the south-west coast of Papua through the "Uli Siwa" system. Three major ethnic groups lived here: the Koiwai, Kamoro, and Asmat.

They traded items like ironwares, clothes, and body ornaments. This trade brought Moluccan titles like raja, mayor, kapitan, and orang tua to the local people. It also introduced Islamic culture, such as the use of turbaned hats. These influences eventually faded due to Dutch colonialism and missionaries.

In the interior, the Mee and Moni ethnic groups lived traditionally. They cleared fields to cultivate tubers and raised pigs. They also engaged in fishing and feasting.

These groups used mege currency, which was made from shells, for trade with coastal tribes. Western explorers first discovered these communities during an expedition from 1909 to 1911. Later, a Dutch pilot named Frits Wissel flew over the highlands in the 1930s. He discovered three large lakes: Paniai, Tigi, and Tage. The Dutch called this area Wisselmeeren, but the name Paniai is now more common.

Mineral discoveries changed the economic importance of the mountains. In 1936, the Carstensz expedition reached Puncak Jaya.

During this trip, a geologist named Jean Jacques Dozy found large copper deposits. He named the site Ore Mountain, or "Ertsberg." In 1963, the Freeport Sulfur Company found his reports and sent an expedition. Led by Forbes Wilson, they confirmed the region's massive natural wealth.

This led to the opening of the Grasberg mine in Tembagapura. This mine contains gold and is a major part of the region's industry.

The formation of the province involved many political steps. Proposals to split Papua Province began during the era of Governor Busiri Suryowinoto. In 1999, Law Number 45 attempted to divide the province, but it was later withdrawn. In 2003, local leaders declared the formation of Central Papua, which caused local conflict. Eventually, the government decided to form the province officially in 2022. There was a debate about the capital city. Mimika and Puncak regencies wanted Timika, but six other regencies wanted Nabire.

Ultimately, Nabire was chosen as the capital because it is easily accessible by road.

Today, Central Papua is divided into eight distinct regencies. These include Nabire, Mimika, Paniai, and Puncak Jaya. Other regencies include Dogiyai, Deiyai, Intan Jaya, and Puncak. The province's development is tied to its diverse geography. From the deep sea to the snow-capped mountains, the land is very varied.

The region continues to balance its natural resources with its many cultural traditions.