South Papua: Gateway to Eastern Indonesia’s Natural and Cultural Potential

South Papua is Indonesia’s youngest province, officially established on July 25, 2022. It comprises four regencies — Merauke, Boven Digoel, Mappi, and Asmat — covering a total area of approximately 117,849 km² and a population of around 542,000 as of mid‑2024. Although it has the fewest residents of any Indonesian province, the region is rich in exceptional potential: vast wetlands, sago forests, and a wealth of Papuan cultural heritage.

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1. Natural Wonders: Eco-tourism and Conservation Paradise

Wasur National Park — “The Serengeti of Papua”

Wasur National Park, spanning 4,138 km², is a biodiversity haven located in Merauke. Nicknamed the “Serengeti of Papua”, it is home to hundreds of bird species (including the iconic bird-of-paradise), reptiles, and endemic mammals such as wallabies and cassowaries. Its vast, undisturbed ecosystem makes it ideal for research, eco-tourism, and nature photography.

Asmat Forests & Open-Air Cultural Attractions

Local guides from Merauke and Mappi have opened forest trekking routes, offering visitors direct encounters with endemic birds and traditional lifestyles — from hunting to sago processing. Around 128 international tourists have joined these “high-end” cultural packages, contributing to local economies and raising the global profile of South Papua’s indigenous heritage.

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2. Infrastructure Growth: Connectivity and Accessibility

Airports and Trans-Papua Highway

Access is improving through Ewer Airport (Asmat) and Mopah Airport (Merauke). Ewer now accommodates ATR 72s and features a terminal adorned with Asmat tribal designs. The Trans-Papua Highway connects Merauke to the rest of Papua, significantly improving connectivity since January 2023.

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3. Economic Growth and Productive Investment

Rp1.87 Trillion Investment Target

South Papua aims to attract investments totaling Rp1.87 trillion (≈USD 120 million) in early 2025, with Merauke as the top destination, followed by Boven Digoel, Mappi, and Asmat. This affirms investor confidence in the region’s economic prospects.

Food Estate & Local-Based Industry

Merauke has been designated as a national food estate center by President Prabowo, with one million hectares allocated for rice production to support national food security. Additionally, large-scale sugar and bioethanol industries (over 2 million ha) are planned, signaling local industrialization and job creation.

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4. Sustainable Tourism & Indigenous Wisdom

Reviving Sago Culture and Asmat Art

Local governments are developing art houses as tourist attractions, modeled after Bali’s performance art tourism. Regular shows and ticket sales are expected to boost regional income (PAD). The eco-tourism sector is also creating jobs: guides, porters, and transport providers all benefit from this people-centered tourism economy.

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5. Environment and Sustainability: Balanced Conservation

Despite its rich natural assets, there’s a growing awareness of the need for conservation. Local guides are urging the provincial government to include forest protection in long-term development plans (RPJMD/RPJPD). Initiatives like coral reef restoration and ambulance outreach to West Papua reflect a strong commitment to environmental and community health.

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Conclusion: Enormous Potential with Positive Trajectory

South Papua is no longer a remote outpost — it’s evolving into a center of natural, cultural, and economic promise. With:

• Iconic eco-tourism (Wasur, Asmat forests),
• Modern infrastructure (airports, national highways),
• Productive investments & food security programs,
• Empowerment of indigenous culture through sustainable tourism,
• Commitment to environmental stewardship,

South Papua is emerging as a powerful model for regional transformation. Its future is bright, inviting tourists, investors, and researchers to explore and share in its sustainable development success story.

References

1. Statistics Indonesia – Papua Province. (2025). Tourism Development in South Papua Province – March 2025. Retrieved from: https://papua.bps.go.id/id/pressrelease/2025/05/02/1117/perkembangan-pariwisata-provinsi-papua-selatan–maret-2025.html
2. Wikipedia. (2025). South Papua. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Papua
3. Merauke Regional Portal. (2025). MASATA Recommends Provincial Government Boost Nature-Based Tourism, Save South Papua Forests. Retrieved from: https://portal.merauke.go.id/news/8046/masata-sarankan-pemprov-genjot-sektor-pariwisata-alam-selamatkan-hutan-tersisa-di-papua-selatan.html
4. Wikipedia. (2025). Wasur National Park. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasur_National_Park
5. Info Papua Selatan. (2025). Investment Target of Rp 1.87 Trillion, South Papua Pursues Realization Until January 2025. Retrieved from: https://infopapuaselatan.com/target-investasi-rp-187-triliun-papua-selatan-jemput-realisasi-investasi-hingga-januari-2025
6. Reuters. (2024). Indonesia’s Prabowo Visits Papua to Check Key Food Estate Project. Retrieved from: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesias-prabowo-visits-papua-check-key-food-estate-project-2024-11-03
7. Wikipedia. (2025). Ewer Airport. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ewer_Airport
8. Wikipedia. (2025). Trans-Papua Highway. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Papua_Highway