According to the official Indonesian law, Papuans more specifically indigenous Papuans or native Papuans (, OAP), are the common native-derived internationalized endonym in Indonesian English for the native Indonesians of Papua-origin (as opposed to "New Guineans" term coined by the British colonizers). They are closely related to the Oceanians (and to some extent, the Australian Aboriginals), who natively inhabited the Eastern Indonesian provinces of Central Papua, Highland Papua, Southwest Papua, West Papua, South Papua, and Papua in Indonesia (which historically part of the larger Sahul palaeocontinent). They natively speak their own native Papuan languages, each with its distinctive and unique linguistic features that may only be found on the island.
The Papuans are one of the indigenous people of Indonesia that are protected under the national law by the government of Indonesia, to ensure their stability in economic and development.
Etymology There are several theories on the origin of the term Papua. One theory is that the name comes from the word Papo Ua shortened from Papo Ua Gam Sio, a Tidorese term which means 'the nine sio (negeri) not being united/joined together', referring to the region under Sultanate of Tidore influence which has competing settlements. The other theory is the term originated from Biak sup i babwa (), referring to the Raja Ampat Islands as Biak people historically migrated west to these islands from their homeland in the Biak Islands. They claimed themselves to be kawasa ori sar (). Babwa in Raja Ampat dialects became Papwa and then Papua. These two theories may be related, as the term can also means 'the subjected land' according to the Ma'ya (non-Biak) Salawati King, one of the four kings, whose ancestor Gurabesi migrated from Biak and conquered these islands under the name of Tidore Sultan and became the intermediaries between settlements on New Guinea coast and Tidore in collecting tributes and trades.
Terminology After the passing of the in 2001, the term "Native Papuan" (, shortened to "OAP") was legally introduced to refer to specifically indigenous peoples from Western New Guinea, as the term "Orang Papua" () has expanded to include migrants and their intermarried descendants who were born in Papua but don't belong to any indigenous tribes from New Guinea. Most Papuan peoples, with exceptions, are patrilineal and do not recognise matrilineal descents as members, as they do not carry the clan names. Though contentious, recognition by a tribal adat council can accommodate female descents and confers OAP status.
Ethnic groups
The Papuans grouped into numerous ethnicities, they possess various cultures and traditions. They are originally tribal community, shared different customs to one another, living in different isolated areas within the region. Austronesian-speaking peoples listed below are italicised.
West Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of West Papua include: Arfak (, , , dan ), Borai, Numfor-Doreri, , Koiwai, , , Mairasi, Maniwak, , , Moru, , Napiti, Oburauw, , Roswar, , Soviar, Sumuri, Wamesa, Warumba, Waruri, .
Southwest Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Southwest Papua include Abun, , Batanta, Biak (, , Karon, , ), Biga, , Domu, Duriankere, Gebe (Gag), , Imekko (Inanwatan-Bira, Matemani-Iwaro, , , ), Irires, Ma'ya (Kawe, Laganyan, Wawiyai), Matbat-Matlow, Maybrat (Ayamaru, Mare, , , Aitinyo, Wayer), Moi-Ma'ya, Moi, , Nerigo, Tehit, , Yahadian, Yaben-Konda.
Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Papua include: Jayapura City Kayu Batu/Kayu Pulau Tobati Enggros Nafri Skouw Sentani WutungJayapura Regency Demta Kaureh Kemtuk Kawamsu Mekwei Narau Gresi Nimboran Oria Ormu Kapori Foya Sauso Tabla Tarpia Taworfa Yansu Yamna Kendate Tofamna Bauwi SentaniSarmi Regency Aikwaikai Airoran Anus Baburiwa Bagusa Yarsun Bapu Bonerif Lairawa Kauweraweo Mander Papasena Wakde Baso Bonggo Itik Keder Maremgi Podena Marembori Babe Kabera Kwerba Masimasi Samarokena Wares Berik Dabra Kwesten Massep Sobei Warotai Betaf Foau Kapitiauw Liki NopukKeerom Regency Awibyakwa
Dera Dubu Emem Fermanggem Janggu Taikat Yafi Manem Sowei Molof Usku Emumu Sangke Waina Senggi Waris Walsa YetfaBiak Numfor Regency Borapasi Bonefa Kofei Sauri Siromi Tafaro Waropen Wairata Burate Sedasi Otodema Demisa Demba BiakWaropen Regency Amabi Ansus Busami Karema Kurudu Marau Munggui Nisa Papuma Pom Arui Woi Anate Nakabui WaropenYapen Islands Regency Borapasi Bonefa Kofei Kurudu
Sauri Siromi Tafaro Waropen Wairata Burate Sedasi Otodema Demisa DembaMamberamo Raya Regency Bauzi Duvle Tauraf
Highland Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Highland Papua include: Jayawijaya Regency Nduga Walak Dani (HugulaHubulaHuwula/HuwulraHubla)Nduga Regency NdugaYalimo Regency Yali (ApahapsiliAbenahoGilika)Pegunungan Bintang Regency Arintap
Mek Ngalum
Yetfa Lepki Murop Kimki
UnaTolikara Regency Taori Kwerisa Toarikei Turu LaniYahukimo Regency Yali (Yalimek/InlomAnggurukNinia)
Momuna (SambogaIntamaja) Una Mek (Nalca/HmanggonaNipsanKosarek)
Obini Korowai (ArubkorKlufo)
Kopkaka (SeredalaKwerTokuni/DajubBurumakok) Awban (Bese)
Central Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of Central Papua include: Deiyai Regency Mee KamoroDogiyai Regency MeeIntan Jaya Regency Dao (Auye) Moni Wolani NdugaMimika Regency Kamoro Sempan Damal AmungmeNabire Regency
Wate
Yaur Umari Mee Napan (Auye)Paniai Regency Dao (Auye) Mee Moni Wolani Puncak Regency Amungme Dou (Edopi) Damal Dani Atas
Fayu Nduga Kirikiri Lani Tause Turu WanoPuncak Jaya Regency Dani Atas Dem Duvle Lani Nduga Turu Wano
South Papua
Papuan ethnic groups/tribes in the Indonesian province of South Papua include: Merauke Regency Bian Marind Kanum Kimaam Maklew Marind Dek (Hulu) Marind Laut (Muara) Mombum
Yab (Yelmek) YeiAsmat Regency Asmat Citak Pisa Sawi Tamnim (Citak) Warkai BiplimMappi Regency Airo-Sumaghaghe Awyu Kayagar Muyu Siagha Tamagario Yaghai YenimuBoven Digoel Regency Aghu Iwur (Murop) Muyu (AreKakaibKamindipKasautKawiyetNingrumOkpari) Kauwol Kombai Korowai Kotogut Wambon (Mandobo) Wanggom Yair
Languages Native/indigenous (Papuan languages)
According to the official Indonesian national linguistic data, there are at least 428 living Papuan languages (and 37 Papua-based isolate languages) natively spoken by the Papuans, making it the most linguistically diverse community in Indonesia. According to one estimate by Yohana Yembise in 2013, among the 250 languages in the then Papua Province, 54 languages belong to Austronesian language family. Papuan languages are also spoken outside of New Guinea such as the Timor–Alor–Pantar speakers in Timor, Alor, and Pantar, as well as North Halmahera in Maluku Islands.
Non-native (non-Papuan languages) In addition to their own native Papuan languages, the Papuans (especially the Coastal Papuans) also speak another languages belonging to non-Papuan linguistic family. As part of the Indonesian nationals, the Papuans also speak Indonesian, it is an official and national language of Indonesia, which also spoken by their fellow Papuans in Papua New Guinea, especially in the border areas.
Cultures and traditions Carving
Carving (especially wood carving) in Indonesian Papuan culture is not merely decorative—it embodies a deep connection to the spirit world, tradition, and community identity. It is a significant artistic and cultural tradition among many Indigenous Papuan communities in Indonesia, especially in regions like Asmat, Kamoro, and Sentani. These carvings are deeply symbolic and often tied to spiritual beliefs, ancestral worship, and daily life.
Among the Asmat Papuans, for example, wood carving is highly developed and serves ritual purposes. They create bis poles, tall carved wooden poles made to honor ancestors and used in funerary ceremonies. The carvings typically depict human figures, animals, and mythological symbols representing strength, protection, and spiritual connection. Meanwhile, Sentani artists are famous for carving motifs into wooden bark paintings and household items, often featuring spiral patterns and stylized figures.
Mummification
In some highland communities, such as the Dani tribespeople in the Baliem Valley, mummification called is a traditional practice used to honor and preserve the bodies of important tribal leaders or warriors. The process involves smoking the corpse over a fire for weeks to dry and preserve it, often in a sitting position. These mummies are then kept in special huts and are considered sacred, symbolizing ancestral strength and leadership. This tradition is now rare and mostly preserved as cultural heritage. Similar mummification traditions are practiced by the Mee, the Moni, the Lani, the Eipo, among others.
Noken
Noken, the traditional knitted or woven bag, an invention of the Indonesian Papuan people, is internationally inscribed as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 2012.
It is also inspired the Noken system, a unique electoral method used in Indonesia. Instead of individual voting, community leaders (Papuan tribal chiefs) vote on behalf of their people, often through consensus or traditional customs. This system respects local indigenous Papuan traditions and emphasizes communal decision-making rather than individual ballots. This system also known colloquially as 'Papuan hanging bag system' (named after the hanging Noken).
In popular culture
Indonesian Papuans have gained increasing recognition in popular culture (nationwide in Indonesia and internationally), particularly in the movie and music industries. In Indonesian cinema, Papuan actors have been cast in leading roles, portraying authentic stories from their communities and highlighting the region's unique cultural identity. In the music scene, Papuan artists have also emerged in mainstream competitions and platforms, showcasing powerful vocals and distinct musical styles rooted in their heritage. This growing representation reflects a broader movement toward inclusion and appreciation of Papua's contributions to Indonesia's cultural diversity.
Movies Denias, Senandung di Atas Awan (2006) () Tanah Mama (2015) () Si Tikam Polisi Noken (2022) () Zabur (Bukan) Nabi (2023) ()
Notable people
A Abdul Hakim Achmad Aituarauw, member of Indonesian People's Representative Council
B Boaz Solossa, Indonesian footballer
E Elie Aiboy, former Indonesian footballer
F Frans Kaisiepo, fourth Governor of Papua and National Hero of Indonesia Freddy Numberi, Indonesian politician and former Minister of Transportation
M Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan, King of Sekar and National Hero of Indonesia Marlina Flassy, Indonesian anthropologist and the first woman to be appointed Dean of Cenderawasih University
N Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, Indonesian badminton player and 2014 Asian Games women's doubles gold medalist Nowela Auparay, professional singer and Indonesian Idol winner
R Raema Lisa Rumbewas, Indonesian weightlifter and silver medallist at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics Ricky Kambuaya, Indonesian footballer
S , Indonesian Islamic preacher
T Titus Bonai, Indonesian footballer
Elie Aiboy, former Indonesian footballer Marlina Flassy, Indonesian anthropologist and the first woman to be appointed Dean of Cenderawasih University Frans Kaisiepo, 4th Governor of Papua and National Hero of Indonesia Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, Indonesian badminton player and 2014 Asian Games women's doubles gold medalist Nowela Auparay, professional singer and Indonesian Idol winner