West Papua is one of the provinces in the eastern part of Indonesia. Previously, this province had the name West Irian Jaya. Thus, West Papua Geographical Conditions are certainly not much different from the province of Papua.
Since 2007, the government has set a new name, namely West Papua. The right of special autonomy followed the formation of this new province in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the government also accepts the consequences to improve welfare in this place.
West Papua Geographical Conditions on Earth Map
If you look at the map of the earth, West Papua geographical conditions have clear boundaries. Located in the western part of Papua Island, it is astronomically located at 0◦– 4◦ South Latitude and between 124◦ – 132◦ East Longitude.
The area of West Papua is 99,671.63 km2 of land. West Papua is also below the equator with a height of 0-100 meters above sea level. West Papua capital is Manokwari, and the largest city is Sorong.
Geographically, the northern part of West Papua Province is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. In the east, it is bordered by the Province of Papua, in the south by the Banda Sea, and in the Province of Maluku. Meanwhile, the western boundary is the Seram Sea, Maluku Province.
This province has many tribes. Based on the census, the West Papuan tribes consist of the Arfak, Biak, and Yapen tribes. In addition, West Papua’s population are filled with immigrants from various islands.
West Papua District
Every region in Indonesia has a provincial symbol. West Papua has a shield emblem. This emblem illustrates defense. The main colors are yellow, blue, red and green.
Administratively, West Papua Province is divided into several regional governments. There are 12 district governments and 1 city government. It includes 218 sub-districts, 95 sub-districts, and 1742 villages, along with the Regional People’s Representative Council.
West Papua District and the city governments are:
- Fakfak District
- Kaimana District
- Manokwari District
- South Manokwari District
- Maybrat District
- Arfak Mountains District
- Raja Ampat District
- Sorong District
- South Sorong District
- Tambraw District
- Bintuni Bay District
- Wondama Bay District
- Sorong City
Sorong Regency has the most sub-districts, which are 30 sub-districts. Meanwhile, South Manokwari is the smallest with 6 sub-districts. The district of Maybrat has the most villages with 260 villages.
Human Development Index
The Human Development Index is a process of expanding choices for people. The United Nation of Development Program (UNDP) regularly reports this Index in its Human Development Report (HDR).
Human Development is a process as well as a goal that has results. In it, citizens must be involved in the development process. In addition, they also participate in the process of improving their own quality of life.
The Indonesian government and UNDP also monitor the movement of West Papua geographical conditions for the human development index. One of them is by providing opportunities for the community to obtain improved health, knowledge, and skills.
The Human Development Index in West Papua Province from 2013 to 2017 continued to increase. This increase occurred due to the increase in its constituent components.
The Potential of Nature and People of West Papua
This province has a lot of natural potential and people’s skills. Agriculture, mining and forest products have provided a lot of results for the province and the country. apart from that, there is also a leading traditional industry.
One of the well-known skills in this province is tenun ikat. The market recognizes this industry as “kain timor”. Apart from weaving skills, the nutmeg beverage industry is also well known. Fakfak Regency is the largest producer of fragrant nutmeg syrup.
The tourism potential is no less interesting. The whole world is familiar with Raja Ampat. In addition, there is also the Cendrawasih Bay National Park in Wondama District. This national park stretches up to more than 60,000 hectares.
Many observe the West Papua geographical conditions as research material. Observers want to see the distribution of welfare in Indonesia, one of which is by looking at the development of this new province in Indonesia.
