West Papua (Irian Jaya) Overview
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A True Tropical Paradise |
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Wreck Diving, Perfect
South Sea Harbors |
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Stunning Scenery Above & Below |
©Denise Nielsen
Tackett & Larry Tackett |
West Papua or Papua Barat, formerly Irian Jaya, is the western
half of New Guinea Island. Its inhabitants are Melanesian Papuans.
This is one of Indonesia's most remote and least visited regions.
It is sparsely populated due to its rugged terrain, which contributed
to the 250 distinct languages spoken here. West Papua is one of
the last frontiers of tourism.
History
Although New Guinea was first settled about 60,000 years ago,
West Papua came under Dutch control and remained there until 1962
when the territory was ceded to Indonesia. Christian missionaries
arrived with the Dutch and are still a big presence in West Papua.
An active Free Papua Movement continues to push for independence
from Indonesia.
Gone are the days of fierce warriors and cannibals. Today coastal
inhabitants fish, highland residents farm, and many others work
in the mining or forestry industries. Sago and sweet potatoes replace
rice as the staple food of West Papua. The area is rich in natural
resources. The huge Freeport copper and gold mine at 3700m (12000ft)
is a joint venture that contributes to the Indonesian economy.
Attractions
Separated from Asia by deep waters, the island of New Guinea was
linked to Australia. The flora and fauna of West Papua are distinctly
Australasian. Birds-of-Paradise, tree kangaroos and other marsupials,
cassowaries (large flightless birds), cockatoos, magnificent butterflies
and bird-eating spiders inhabit the island. Orchids, tree ferns,
rhododendrons and pitcher plants inhabit the forests. Glacier-covered
Puncak Jaya, elevation 5039m (16400ft), is the highest peak between
the Himalayas and the Andes.
West Papua has only recently been opened to tourism and the industry
here is in its infancy. The Baliem Valley in the highlands is home
to the Dani tribe, first discovered by westerners in 1938. Pigs
and women are indicators of wealth here. Many men continue to wear
the traditional penis gourd. The Bird's Head Peninsula is the gateway
to the Raja Empat Islands, home
to some of the best scuba diving in the world.
By Denise Nielsen Tackett & Larry Tackett
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