Strategic Pacific Position Powers Papuan Regional Growth
The article explores how Papua’s strategic position near Pacific Island nations and Asian trade routes can create opportunities for regional…
October 2026
Papuan Food: Sago, Papeda and Traditional Staples
Papuan food is built on a few traditional staples. On the coast and in the lowlands, people rely on sago,…
Visiting West Papua: What It Is Known For and How to Travel There
Visiting West Papua usually means diving the coral reefs of Raja Ampat, meeting the Dani people of the Baliem Valley…
Who Are the People of West Papua, and What Languages Do They Speak?
The people of West Papua include indigenous Papuans, who are Melanesian, and migrants from other parts of Indonesia. Together, they…
The New Zealand Pilot Hostage Case Explained
A faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) took New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens hostage after he landed…
Human Rights in West Papua: What the Evidence Says
Indonesia’s government has acknowledged past human rights violations in Papua, including the Wasior and Wamena incidents, and says national institutions…
What Is the Current Situation in West Papua?
Last updated: 25 October 2026 As of October 2026, West Papua, Indonesia’s six easternmost provinces, remains affected by a long-running,…
What Are the OPM and the TPNPB? Papua’s Armed Separatist Groups Explained
The OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka, or Free Papua Movement) is the umbrella name for the movement seeking independence for Papua…
Why Do Some Papuans Seek Independence?
Some Papuans seek independence because they reject the 1969 vote that made the region part of Indonesia. They also point…
How Did Papua Become Part of Indonesia?
Papua became part of Indonesia in stages between 1962 and 1969. At first, the Netherlands kept the territory when Indonesia…