Papua (province)

Papua is the largest and easternmost province of Indonesia, comprising most of Western New Guinea. It is bordered by the nation of Papua New Guinea to the east, the province of West Papua to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the north, and the Arafura Sea to the south.

History

The history of Papua dates back to the prehistoric period, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the region was inhabited as early as 42,000 years ago. The region was later part of the Majapahit Empire, before coming under the control of the Dutch East Indies in the 19th century. Following a period of Japanese occupation during World War II, Papua became part of Indonesia in 1969 following the controversial Act of Free Choice.

Geography

Papua is the largest province in Indonesia and covers the western half of the island of New Guinea, the world's second largest island. The province is characterized by its rugged terrain, which includes the Sudirman Range, home to Puncak Jaya, the highest peak in Indonesia and Oceania.

Economy

The economy of Papua is largely based on natural resources, including mining, oil and gas, and forestry. The Grasberg mine, the largest gold mine and second largest copper mine in the world, is located in Papua. Despite its natural wealth, Papua is one of the poorest provinces in Indonesia, with high levels of poverty and unemployment.

Culture

Papua is home to more than 250 distinct indigenous peoples, each with their own unique cultures and languages. The province is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art, as well as its unique Papuan cuisine.

See also

• West Papua
• Papuan languages
• Papuan cuisine