Papua (province)
Indonesian province on northern Western New Guinea with special autonomy.
Papua is a province of Indonesia, comprising the northern coast of Western New Guinea together with island groups in Cenderawasih Bay. It was formerly known as West Irian and Irian Jaya, and since 2002 has held special autonomous status under Indonesian legislation, granting it a higher degree of autonomy compared to other Indonesian provinces.
- Capital
- Jayapura
- Population growth rate
- 1.31% per year
- Number of regencies
- 8
- Number of cities
- 1
- Special autonomy status
- Granted in 2002
Lore & Background
Administratively, the residual Papua Province consists of eight regencies and one city (Jayapura). The regencies are subdivided into districts (distrik) and then into villages. Religiously, 70.15% of Papuans identified as Christians (64.68% Protestant, 5.47% Catholic) and 29.56% as Muslims.
Reader's Guide
Papua's significance lies in its special autonomous status, which grants the provincial government authority in all sectors except foreign affairs, security, monetary and fiscal matters, religion, and justice. The province also issued decrees enabling timber logging permits for customary communities and permits to manage customary forests, requiring logging companies to pay compensations to local communities. Papua is one of seven Indonesian provinces with special autonomy status, alongside Aceh, West Papua, Southwest Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and South Papua. Its unique government body, the Papuan People's Assembly, reflects an effort to integrate tribal customs into governance. The province's electoral district elects three members to Indonesia's People's Representative Council.
Did You Know?
- The province's special autonomy status was granted under Law 21/2001.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Papua (province)?
Papua is an Indonesian province situated along the northern coastline of Western New Guinea, also encompassing the island groups scattered across Cenderawasih Bay. It is one of the country's 38 provinces and holds a distinct place in Indonesia's administrative map due to its geographic remoteness and cultural uniqueness.
Why does Papua (province) enjoy special autonomous status?
Beginning in 2002, national legislation granted the province a higher tier of self-governance than other Indonesian provinces, allowing it greater control over local affairs. This special autonomy reflects recognition of the region's distinct ethnic, linguistic, and geographic character.
What is the capital of Papua (province) and how is it divided administratively?
Jayapura serves as the provincial capital. The province is organized into eight regencies and one city, giving it a relatively compact administrative structure for a territory of its size.
What names has Papua (province) gone through before its current title?
The territory was originally referred to as West Irian after its incorporation into Indonesia, then renamed Irian Jaya for a period, before the name Papua was officially adopted. Each change reflected shifting political and cultural priorities in how the region was framed within the nation.
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