Like other regions in Indonesia, the islands of West Papua also have a coat of arms that represents the region’s specialties. On this occasion, this article will discuss the meaning of the coat of arms of West Papua.
The Coat of Arms of West Papua’s Meanings
According to the Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia, number 77 of 2007, this regional logo signifies an area’s identity. The regional symbol represents greatness, and a cultural symbol reflects the area’s uniqueness.
As stated above, the coat of arms of West Papua also represents the uniqueness of the region. Here’s the explanation:
West Papua Writing
There are two inscriptions on the coat of arms of West Papua: West Papua and “Cintaku Negeriku,” or my love for my country. The “West Papua” inscription on the shield explains the name of the province where the symbol comes from.
My Love, My Country (Cintaku Negeriku)
Like “West Papua” writings, the words “Cintaku Negeriku” at the bottom of the shield also have meaning. The article believes that the entire community will struggle to maintain the existence and unity of the West Papua province under the Republic of Indonesia.
In addition to the two writings, in the coat of arms of West Papua, several images have their respective meanings:
White Star, Symbol of West Papua
In the symbols of the West Papua logo, the white star means God Almighty. Not only that, but this white star also has a definition of the ideals and desires that the people of West Papua want to realize.
Refinery Tower With Burst of Fire
At the top left of West Papua’s logo is an image of a refinery tower with bursts of fire. This image of a refinery with bursts of fire is a representation of the wealth and abundance of mining materials that West Papua has.
Tree and Fish
At the top right of the coat of arms of West Papua, there are pictures of trees and fish. This picture illustrates that the province of West Papua is a province that has abundant forest and marine resources that can prosper its people.
Cassowary Neck and Head
If you look in more detail at the picture of the Cassowary in the West Papua logo, you can see that the head of the Cassowary is facing to the right. Not only that, the neck and head of the Cassowary bird are also in the green circle. What does it mean?
The neck and head of the Cassowary in the green circle are a representation of the West Papua map. Geographically, West Papua is located in the neck and head of the bird (facing right) on the island of Papua.
In addition to representing its geographical location, the image of the cassowary bird is also a symbol of the toughness, courage, power, and resilience of the people of West Papua. The Papuan people are depicted as tough and brave in facing future development challenges in the spirit of unity and integrity.
Green Fields Between Three Blue Fields
The meaning of the green field flanked by three blue fields is the unity of determination and struggle of the three essential elements of West Papua’s progress. The three elements are government, people or customs, and religion.
A Pair of Sago Leaf Midribs
At the bottom of West Papua’s logo is an image of a pair of sago leaf midribs. Why sago? Sago is the staple food of the West Papua people. It symbolizes prosperity and prosperity.
If you look more closely, the left midrib has twelve leaves, while the right midrib has ten leaves. Both of them are tied by the number nine. The numbers 12, 10, and 9 in the picture refer to the date of West Papua’s formation, October 12, 1999.
That’s the meaning of some of the writings and pictures on the coat of arms of West Papua. Interesting right?
