
Since 2017, Dominggus Mandacan has become the Governor of West Papua. His career development has been brilliant, and he even received some awards at the national and international levels. Take a look at his profile below.
Born in Manokwari
Born in Manokwari, Netherlands, New Guinea, on December 16, 1959, Dominggus Mandacan’s full name is Nataniel Dominggus Mandacan. He is the fourth child of 14. His father was Barendz Mandatjan, one of three influential figures and leaders of the Arfak Tribe in Manokwari.
On October 23, 1993, Dominggus married Ir. Sulastri and they have two children, namely Meinatri Cykitta Mandacan and Febriangga Putra Mandacan. They also adopted a baby and gave her the name Ify Kireyna Mandacan in August 2008.
Eager to Learn

Dominggus Mandacan started his primary education in 1969 at YPK Fanindi Manokwari Elementary School. However, he moved to Amban Manokwari State Elementary School in 1973 and graduated in 1976. He proceeded his education to secondary level at Manokwari State Junior High School and State Senior High School 415 Manokwari and graduated in 1982.
Dominggus continued his study to the undergraduate level in the Faculty of Social and Political Science at Cenderawasih University. He finished his study on November 10, 1987. He also took a study in Master of Public Administration at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, and graduated in 2004.
Career Excellence

Dominggus Mandacan has established excellent career development in the Manokwari government. In 1989, he became a candidate of Civil Servant, and two years later, he served as an Executive Staff in Personnel until 1993. In 1994, he was appointed Head of Personnel Carrier Development. He also became Head of Personnel Regional Secretary Level 2 in Manokwari from 1996 to 2001.
While Dominggus took his master’s study in Master of Public Administration at Gadjah Mada University from 2002 to 2004, he served as Head of Personnel Bureau Regional Secretary of West Papua Province from 2003 to 2007. He was appointed Head of Regional Office IX in Jayapura National Civil Service Agency in 2008.
Dominggus has shown great potential in leadership as he was appointed the Regent of Manokwari for two periods, from 2000 to 2005 and from 2005 to 2010. He replaced the previous regent, Dominggus Buiney, and was replaced by Bastian Salabay. Dominggus then became the Acting Regent of Arfak Mountains from April 22, 2013, to April 24, 2015, and was eventually replaced by Yusak Wabia and became Governmental Senior Advisor to the Regent of Arfak Mountains from 2015 to 2016.
Dominggus reached his highest career excellence when he was appointed the second Governor of West Papua by President Joko Widodo. Governor Dominggus Mandacan established his service on May 12, 2017, replacing the previous governor—Abraham Octavianus Atururi. The politician who has been part of the Nasdem Party has shown great leadership skill to the development of the province.
Global Conservation Hero
Dominggus Mandacan received an award as Global Conservation Hero from Conservation International in Milk Studios, Los Angeles, United States, in 2019. The award was given for his commitment to uphold sustainable development and preserve the environment in West Papua. It is global proof for the attempt of local government to take care of the forest and sea as well as to fulfill the right of indigenous people in the province through a friendly and sustainable development approach.
Father of Development in West Papua
For his contribution to the development, Governor Dominggus Mandacan was awarded the Father of Development in West Papua in 2021. The people awarded it to Dominggus for his concern for human development. He thought human and mental development is as important as physical development in facilities and infrastructures.
Governor Dominggus Mandacan deserves the award as he has brought the province to the national and international levels. He also brought the province to be awarded the highest level of tolerance in Indonesia. The governor is expected to keep doing his best as depicted in his motto: “Membangun dengan Hati, Mempersatukan dengan Kasih, Menuju Papua Barat yang Aman, Sejahtera dan Bermartabat” (Building with Heart and Uniting with Love for Safe, Prosperous, and Dignified West Papua).
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