When trying to develop the area’s identity, reputation, and perception, it is helpful to have a primary image with strong ties to the region. All regional insignia, from East to West, including the coat of arms of West Papua itself, have been “painted” with similar messages.
To better understand the province that is home to the bird of paradise and its coat of arms, we provide an explanation of the symbol’s significance below.
Coat of Arms of West Papua
It is essential to go under the surface while analyzing the meanings conveyed by symbols. After all, the symbol is the materialization of some profound meaning that words alone cannot do justice to. The same is true when looking at the coat of arms of West Papua, Indonesia.
You may have previously been curious about the meaning of the West Papuan emblem. The provincial emblem is not synonymous with any specific moniker. In its place, it is possible to read it in a certain way:
A Fish and a Tree
In one of the four spaces that say “PAPUA BARAT,” there is an image that depicts a tree and a fish. All these things are indicators of the abundance of natural resources that may be discovered in West Papua. Trees symbolize the forest’s resources, while fish is the sea’s riches.
An Oil Refinery Tower
Certain pictures do not necessarily call for a mind-boggling effort to comprehend them. If we take this one sign as an example, you may be able to deduce what it stands for just by taking a quick look at it.
The logo of the oil refinery represents the raw elements that are extracted from the ground in West Papua. In fact, West Papua is a producer of a wide variety of different resources, including gold, nickel, marble, and many more.
A White Star
The tower of the refinery, the woods, and the flames all came into view as the white star emerged. The star on the provincial coat of arms, like the star on the state emblem, Pancasila, represents the belief in a single supreme deity. Also, white was used to symbolize a unified front and resolve.
A Cassowary
The West Papuan cassowary, the region’s official bird, is shown looking to the right. Different things seem to be represented by this posture.
First, this bird shows many outstanding qualities such as fortitude, bravery, strength, and persistence. These personalities will determine West Papua’s destiny. Second, West Papua is in the “neck” and “bird’s head” area of Papua because the cassowary is only shown from the neck up.
A Green Circle Between the Blue Fields
Following on from the previous point, the cassowary’s backdrop is a green circle with three blue spheres around it. Interestingly, these categories describe crucial factors contributing to West Papua’s welfare, including government, people or customs, and religion.
Sago Leaves
Next, the cassowary is flanked by a pair of sago leaves at the base. This icon might mean two different things. First, the abundance of sago, the staple diet of West Papuans, indicates of success. To further illustrate the date of West Papua’s formation (October 12, 1999), the number of leaves on both sago stalks is the same.
The Texts “WEST PAPUA” and “CINTAKU NEGERIKU”
Finally, the words “PAPUA BARAT” and “CINTAKU NEGERIKU” flank the shield’s top and bottom, respectively. The meaning of both is as stated. Meanwhile, the shield represents West Papua’s peoples’ collective effort to maintain their place in the Republic of Indonesia.
Final Words
That is the coat of arms of West Papua and the explanation of each of the symbols that make it up. From its rich history and unique geography to its abundant natural resources and outstanding culture, West Papua is clearly defined by all these symbols.