We could go on and on about West Papua for hours. It is one of the provinces in eastern Indonesia, and it is as beautiful and cool as they come. It exhibits a range of otherness that is difficult to explain in words.
So in this post, we will attempt to explain why this area is famous in as simple and easy a manner as possible. Many facets to it can be addressed. However, we shall focus on the scenery and animals of this region. Continue reading this article to learn more.
The Sexy Raja Ampat
It is vital to understand that Raja Ampat is a large area with a series of islands or a small archipelago that happens to be named Raja Ampat. So it’s not a small area that can be toured in a single day.
This area is approximately 60,000 hectares in size, with a shoreline of 4,860 kilometers. And of the many islands that exist, only 35 are populated; the others remain uninhabited as a living alternative.
It has several attractions that must be seen. That’s why the area is similar to other locations in West Papua, which are likewise made up of some small islands.
Simply put, Raja Ampat is a vast archipelago rich in landscapes, plants, and species. Salawati, Misool, and Batanta are just a few of the 1,500 islands.
Not only that but Raja Ampat shelters thousands of species of marine and terrestrial biota. Hence, it was dubbed the world’s first biodiversity winner.
There are 1,500 fish species and 699 mollusk species, and Raja Ampat has a coral wealth of up to 500 kinds, making it the most popular diving destination. Isn’t it dense and full?
That’s why it is not strange that Raja Ampat has lately become a major tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. Apart from the establishment of Freeport, this made the name West Papua more well-known.
The Endemic Fauna
Cendrawasih, or the bird of paradise, is one of the sights that should not be overlooked. This fauna is endemic, which means it can only be found in Papua.
This bird is still classified as a subspecies, with names like “red bird of paradise,” “dead-wire bird of paradise,” “Wilson’s bird of paradise,” and so on.
There are also the reimani turtle, black feather parrot, gold neck cassowary, pygmy cassowary, Victorian mambruk, spotted carpet shark, golden coat tree kangaroo, mbaiso tree kangaroo, pig-snouted sea turtle, gigantic mallomys rat, red rainbow fish, cheating shrimp, small tree mouse, and others.
Of course, these indigenous animals are only found in this region of Indonesia. So, if you enjoy the exoticism of wildlife, you must visit this piece of heaven.
The Separatism Movement
For some, this is a touchy subject. It’s just that this is also what makes this eastern region of Indonesia well-known both domestically and globally.
Apart from the fact that West Papua was historically a Dutch-occupied region, the population was divided. Some wanted to be free, while others wanted to return to the bosom of the Indonesian government.
Further, the separatist movement has grown in popularity in recent years as it has been fueled by a list of different parties with varying agendas. Even Vanuatu, a neighboring country, publicly supports this separatist effort in international forums.
That’s why it is not shocking that this province of Indonesia is prone to warfare. Even the exchange of fire between the Indonesian army and the Free Papua Organization (OPM) troops is like the locals’ daily meal.
Not to mention that foreign countries’ intervention exacerbated the situation. Several attempts at mediation have been made, but none has generated satisfying results. Furthermore, the fact that the foreign media enjoys becoming provocateurs by disseminating false news has given this movement even more impetus to continue fighting for this region’s independence from Indonesia.
So much for the famous West Papua. The driving force behind the appellation of this region has always been a fascinating topic for many individuals, ranging from nature to political status.
