Aim

WRI Indonesia aims to enhance collaboration with local parties to support the protection of Indigenous People in Tanah Papua.

Where

Six provinces of Tanah Papua

Why

Regional Papua, comprising of six provinces - Southwest Papua, West Papua, Central Papua, South Papua, Highland Papua, and Papua province - is renowned not only for its abundant natural landscapes and rich biodiversity, but also for its cultural and ethnic diversity. This region is home to over 276 ethnic groups (based on data from the Summer Institute of Linguistics, SIL), each with its own language and customs. Many of these languages are further divided into regional dialects.

Regional Papua can be broadly grouped into seven customary areas based on their Customary Territory Boundaries: Mamta Customary Area, Saireri Customary Area, Domberai Customary Area, Bomberai Customary Area, Anim Ha Customary Area, La Pago Customary Area, and Me Pago Customary Area.

The rich ethnic and cultural diversity in Regional Papua is shaped by its unique ecological environments, historical origins, and varying levels of interaction with the outside world. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) in Regional Papua traditionally have a deep connection to their ancestral lands, which are integral to their cultural identities and livelihoods. For example, several ethnic groups in Papua believe that trees are entities with souls and must be treated with respect. Consequently, any form of extraction and managing the forest and environment more broadly involves traditional rituals in appreciation of the tree, e.g. giving offerings, and/or asking for permission.

IPLC have been inhabiting these areas and managed the land, natural resources and ecosystems for generations. Land ownership of customary land is traditionally passed down to the next generation based on the lineage adopted by the ethnicity. However, IPLC claims to these territories are rarely enforced or formally recognized by the government, making IPLC susceptible to land acquisition, economic development, conflicts, and marginalization.

The practice of utilizing and managing natural resources by indigenous peoples is usually done by applying local wisdom values that protect nature. Their traditional knowledge and practices are vital in safeguarding the region's extraordinary ecosystems. Ethnic groups in Papua inherit a wealth of ancestral wisdom, including knowledge of seasons, local flora and fauna, rules, norms, values, knowledge of sacred and historical places, traditional medicine and techniques for hunting, fishing, and farming.  

One example of local wisdom that is a form of traditional conservation is Sasi. Sasi is a traditional rule that binds an ethnic group to regulate the cycle of natural resource utilization in a certain area. As in Yongsu Desoyo Village, the indigenous community recognizes two types of sasi, namely Emi Konomi (land sasi) and Tiatiki (sea sasi). The sasi process is carried out with a ritual process led by the customary leader, this customary rule must be obeyed by all customary entities. Sasi is carried out to maintain the sustainability of natural resources in certain customary areas.  

The primary livelihood activities for IPLC in Regional Papua include collecting, farming, fishing, and hunting. These activities are largely determined by the ecological environment and natural assets available in specific areas. Livelihood activities are usually carried out to meet daily needs, and any surplus harvest is distributed to relatives or neighbors. Trade and interaction habits also vary among tribes and the specifications of the environment they inhabit, e.g. mountainous, coastal and urban areas.

Efforts to support and empower IPLC are key for recognizing their rights, preserving their cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development that respects their way of life and the environment they steward. 

How

In supporting initiatives to protect indigenous people in Tanah Papua, WRI Indonesia collaborates with various parties, such as universities, local governments, civil society organizations, and indigenous people, for various activities, including the following:  

  • Research collaboration to understand the condition of indigenous peoples in the Tanah Papua. This research involves collecting comprehensive information related to socio-cultural aspects, such as cultural practices, customs, social structures, economic activities, and interactions with natural resources.  
  • Spatial analysis and inclusive mapping of customary territories with various stakeholders to document customary territories and their governance. This activity is carried out to support local government priority programs related to indigenous territories.  
  • Development of roadmaps and guidelines for the protection and recognition of indigenous peoples, conducted through workshops and workshops to develop Guidelines for the Acceleration of Mapping and Registration of Indigenous Territories.  
  • Capacity building in collaboration with various stakeholders, such as the University of Papua, Cenderawasih University, Ottow Geissler University, local governments, and civil society organizations, was also carried out through specific thematic discussions as well as training.  

This initiative was chosen as one of WRI's Top Outcome in 2022.