West Papua has a population of 1,800,000 of which approximately 900,000 are native West Papuans and 900,000 are Indonesians. The West Papuans are Melanesians containing at least 240 different tribes. Different Indonesian groups that settled in West Papua from the past 50 years compose the remainder of the population. The rate of population growth of the Indonesian groups is increasing rapidly. |
In the early 21st century, hundreds of indigenous or Papuans together covered for nearly three-fourths of the province’s population. The remainder consisted of immigrants, largely from Celebes (Sulawesi), Java, and the Moluccas. The indigenous groups speak different kinds of Papuan languages, while others speak Austronesian languages.
indigenous tribes | West Papua is home to around 312 different tribes, including some unknown tribes. The central mountainous region of Papua is home to the highland peoples, who take care of pigs and practice sweet potato cultivation. The lowland peoples live in swampy regions and live by hunting food. Some of the many Papuan tribal languages are related to others, but some are unique. The people are ethnically different from the Indonesians who control their country. All the Papuan peoples have suffered greatly under the Indonesian occupation that began in 1963. The Indonesian army has a long history of human rights violations against the Papuans, and the racist Indonesian soldiers commonly view the Papuans as a little more than animals. |
In recent years, there are about 40 unknown tribes that are living in West Papua. Many of these tribes choose to not be contacted with the surrounding world. Therefore, there is not much information about them. These tribes live in the remote rainforests of West Papua. The unknown tribes are threatened by diseases from irresponsible tourism, military suppression, invasion by miners, plantation owners, loggers and other seeking natural resources of their lands.
West Papua has an infamous human rights record, firmly established racism usually found in certain areas. Tribal peoples are believed to be dirty, ‘stone-aged, and are usually not contacted with the outside world.
West Papua has an infamous human rights record, firmly established racism usually found in certain areas. Tribal peoples are believed to be dirty, ‘stone-aged, and are usually not contacted with the outside world.
Many of the unknown tribes are badly treated, or even killed by the racist soldiers there. Even though life is not that nice there, the tribes know what’s best for them and remain isolated out of choice. They have unique knowledge of their environment, particularly plants and animals. Their diversity shows how different types of living can be successful. They have experience a way of life that we, as citizens of the modern world can never imagine and never experience. Most of the Papua’s people are engaged in agriculture (including forestry and fishing). Rice, sweet potatoes, soybeans, corn, green beans, and peanuts are also important. |