Fascinating Remote Tribes in West Papua

Dani Tribe

Get to know better three ancient tribes in West Papua, namely Asmat, Korowai, and Dani. 

Find out more about them, from their unique traditions to their frightening ritual. 

Few may believe that in this 21st century where technology improves rapidly, millions of skyscrapers become a common thing to see, not to mention the quick spread of information. However, there are still tribes who live among a virgin nature and isolated from the modern world. 

West Papua becomes one of the places on earth where indigenous ethnic groups live in harmony with the wild. Furthermore, West Papua fascinatingly has more than hundred tribes. Want to transport back in time? Let's get to know this province's tribes closer as we can also learn about their ancient cultural practices. 

Asmat

Asmat As one of the most popular tribes in Papua, the Asmat inhabit the southwestern coast bordering the Arafura Sea, where swamps, mangroves, and rivers lied. These ethnic societies carry a distinctive physique with black skin and curly hair. The Asmat's women are mostly 162 cm tall while 172 cm is a common height for men in the Asmat. 

It is probably by their choices that they remain isolated from the outside world. As they live among the wild, crocodiles, sea snakes, crabs, crown pigeons, and peacock are some of the things they commonly see. 

Today, the Asmat is quite well known for its extraordinary art and rich culture. Carving is one of the reasons that make Asmat steal the spotlight among other tribes in West Papua. They are also loved for their traditional house, namely the Jew house. The Jew house stores their weapons from spears, arrows, to noken. Not just anyone can touch the noken. It is believed to have the ability to heal any illness. 

The Asmat also have a traditional dance called the Tobe dance. This dance is used to raise the spirit of the soldiers. 

Korowai 

Korowai is one of the most isolated tribes in West Papua. Not until the 1970s, after a visit from explorers, the Korowai did not know of the other human existence. 

While Asmat lives in coast borders, Korowai lives in tree houses in the southeast region of the province. Korowai build their tree houses, about 19 to 82 feet high. The houses are used to protect them from other humans, flood, and any wild creatures. 

In May 2006, a journalist and travel guide named Paul Raffaele led a crew on an expedition to forests in West Papua. Paul and his crew made documenter on Korowai, being curious about the reasons behind their horrid ritual. 

In his article upon the expedition, Raffaele wrote, "Korowai are one of the few tribes that are believed to eat human flesh." Raffaele later explained why Korowai were practicing cannibalism. For this tribe, they had to eat human flesh because they believed those who were killed are khakhua—evil witches who took the male form. 

Because of the lack of modern health knowledge, Korowai believe that death is caused by nothing but khakhua who disguised himself in the form of Korowai's friend or relative. Raffaele added, "Many khakhua are killed and eaten every year." 

Dani

Dani In the Baliem Valley, you will find the other locals called the Dani in West Papua. Explorers, from Indonesia and overseas, have conducted researches about this tribe. That is why Dani tribe is quite popular in a lot of countries. 

The Dani are popular for their fond of war and a strong sense of pride. Looking fierce outside, the Dani are very friendly, soft, and loyal. They will hold your hand a bit longer than a common handshake as they give you an initial hand-grasp greeting. 

An expert in zoology and philanthropy from the United States, Richard Archbold, was the first expedition that came into direct contact with Dani. Farming becomes the main activity for them. They are fond of rising pigs and consider this livestock are very valuable. 

The Dani tribe has not experienced much modernization. Up until now, there are many ancient traditions that they still preserve, such as clothing, traditional houses, lifestyle, and even native languages. For the clothing, Dani women wear grass skirts. 

As for the man, they wear Koteka made of dried gourds to keep their private parts sealed. Their traditional houses are called Honai. The house has thatched roofs and wooden walls, making it looks like a mushroom. Even though the Dani has their native languages, they are still able to speak Indonesian. 

Having West Papua tribes in Indonesia is a priceless treasure for our tourism. Visiting and getting to know these fascinating remote tribes will offer unforgettable experiences for domestic and foreign tourists. As we own those magnificent cultures, we must conserve, protect, and show the world how beautiful our country is.

Papua: No Discrimination Please

The wealth of natural resources as well as the wealth of culture and art in Papua is a source of pride for Indonesia, Papua is rich in natural resources that promise opportunities for trade and development. 

The vast land is full of forests, the sea and its diverse biota and millions of lands suitable for agriculture. Natural gas, oil and various minerals are also stored in the stomach of the earth, waiting to be explored. 

In addition to natural wealth, Papua also has many unique arts and cultures such as dances, dresses and even traditional houses which often attract the attention of tourists when they visit Papua.

There are still a very small number of Indonesians who label Papuans with negative stereotypes. As a result, Papuans face racial and ethnic discrimination that they cannot stand. The situation of the Papuan people has become a concern that cannot be ignored. So far we have heard a lot about the Papuan people considered "annoying", "less beautiful", or worse still during the riots that took place last year, to be precise the day before the celebration of the 74th independence from Indonesia, we were shocked by the siege of student dormitories in Papua Surabaya. 

The incident was preceded by a demonstration by a community organization that suspected Papuan students had ripped off the red and white flag, resulting in a Papuan man being called a "monkey". Some of the protesters shouted racist phrases which resulted in demonstrations in major cities of Papua and West Papua. They raised a debate that had been dormant, namely the issue of hidden racism among Indonesians.

The fact that this racism comes from our country is contrary to the ideology and identity of Indonesia which defends Bhineka Tunggal Ika. However, the topic I will cover here is not to describe the negative comments and behaviors experienced by the Papuan community by their compatriots. 

The unrest a year ago has caused many Indonesians to open their minds and hearts to our brothers in Papua. Starting with various speeches that defend the rights of the Papuan people as part of Indonesia so that racial and ethnic discrimination does not occur again. The prayer was also supported by various humanitarian organizations such as NGOs and other groups that came from various strata and groups of society.

Even people who do not take to the streets to give speeches are not silent, starting with netizens and artists who often spread messages of peace for our brothers and sisters in Papua through hashtags spread on various social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter. . . The hashtags #sayamonyet, #lawanrasism, #papuanlivesmatter and #papuauntuknkri are a form of support and empathy to combat racism and a form of hope that peace and justice will reach the people of Papua. The role of the government also played a part in handling the case. Earlier, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had also called on the public to forgive each other for the violent demonstrations in Manokwari and Sorong, West Papua. 

He also stressed that the government will uphold the honor of Indonesian citizens, including in the Papua and West Papua regions.

One of the concrete ways I experienced that tolerance towards Papuans was much improved, which was when I attended one of the student meetings in 2019 in Yogyakarta. At that time the Papuan students arrived and were very well received by other students from outside Papua. Your enormous efforts to come from the easternmost part of Indonesia to the island of Java and your enthusiasm for education are a personal inspiration to me. 

The cultural performances they perform are also the most anticipated agenda for students from various regions of Indonesia. This shows that the consciousness of the Indonesian people to fight racism for the brothers in Papua already exists and is quite large. 

In my opinion, if this awareness is carried out slowly and consistently, it is not impossible if we will be a more tolerant society and stop showing racism. Papua, or what is known as the Land of Cendrawasih, was part of Indonesia until his death. All Indonesians should have the right to be recognized and to feel safe in their country, indiscriminately.

Romario Watimena 

Papuan Observer

United Nations Security Force (UNSF) and United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) in West New Guinea (West Irian/West Papua)

UNTEA Stamp (Photo: Twitter Edward Rees)

Historical background

The territory of West New Guinea (West Irian) had been in the possession of the Netherlands since 1828. When the Netherlands formally recognized the sovereign independence of Indonesia in 1949, the status of West Irian remained unresolved. It was agreed in the Charter of Transfer of Sovereignty C concluded between the Netherlands and Indonesia at The Hague, Netherlands, in November 1949 C that the issue would be postponed for a year, and that “the status quo of the presidency of New Guinea” would be “maintained under the Government of the Netherlands” in the mean time. The ambiguity of the language, however, led the Netherlands to consider itself the sovereign Power in West New Guinea, since this would be a continuation of the “status quo”. Indonesia, on the other hand, interpreted the Dutch role there to be strictly administrative, with the implication that West Irian would be incorporated into Indonesia after a year.

The status of the territory was still being disputed when Indonesia brought the matter before the United Nations in 1954. Indonesia claimed that the territory rightfully belonged to it and should be freed from Dutch colonial rule. The Netherlands maintained that the Papuans of West New Guinea were not Indonesians and therefore should be allowed to decide their own future when they were ready to do so. The future of the territory was discussed at the General Assembly’s regular sessions from 1954 to 1957 and at the 1961 session, but no resolutions on it were adopted.

In December 1961, when increasing rancour between the Indonesian and Dutch Governments made the prospect of a negotiated settlement even more elusive, Secretary-General U Thant, who had been appointed Acting Secretary-General following the death of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, undertook to resolve the dispute through his good offices. Consulting with the Indonesian and Dutch Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, he suggested that informal talks take place between the parties in the presence of former United States Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker, who would act as the Secretary-General’s representative. The parties agreed, and talks were begun in early 1962.

A sharpening of tension between the two Governments occurred shortly thereafter, however, when Indonesia landed paratroops in West New Guinea. The Netherlands charged that the landings constituted an act of aggression, but Indonesia refuted this on the grounds that “Indonesians who have entered and who in future will continue to enter West Irian are Indonesian nationals who move into Indonesia’s own territory now dominated by the Dutch by force”. Secretary-General U Thant urged restraint by both parties but declined a Dutch request to send United Nations observers to the scene, noting that such action could only be considered if both Governments made the request. Further incidents were reported by the Netherlands during the first months of 1962, and there were intermittent lulls in the progress of Ambassador Bunker’s talks.

Key events in west Papua's past, leading up to integration with Indonesia.

1828
The western part of the island of New Guinea becomes part of the Dutch East Indies, and is named Netherlands or Dutch New Guinea.

Papuans Need Democracy

by Andri Hadi
The Jakarta Post
July 30, 2004
Efforts by certain quarters, within and outside Indonesia, to question the decolonization process in Papua gain a momentum by the declassification of restricted documents in the U.S. recently.