Papua Island, or New Guinea Island, has very diverse ethics. This place is one of the centers for cultural diversity.
The island consists of six provinces occupying the western part of the island. Millions of people live in the island’s highland or remote areas based on the Papua Population Growth Chart in 2020.
As the island is rich in natural resources, many migrants have chosen to settle or work in certain regencies. They make up half of the population in six provinces due to the transmigration program by the Indonesian government in the 1970s to 2000s.
Although there are millions of people, compared to other areas in Indonesia, Papua and West Papua provinces have the lowest human development index. This might be because of the underdevelopment of public infrastructure in the region.
Papua Population Growth Chart
According to Statistics Indonesia (Badan Pusat Statistik or the Central Bureau of Statistics), in 2020, the total population in the Papua province was 4,30 million people. This number has an increase of 1,47 million people from the previous year.
However, the population growth rate per ten years, around 4,13%, is lower than the last period. Based on gender, the total male population in the province of Papua is 2,29 million people or 53,32%.
Meanwhile, the female population is 2,01 million people or 46,68%. The Papuan Population Growth Chart proportion is divided into 7,38% Post-Generation Z (up to 7 years old); 30,38% Generation Z (8-23 years old); 32,09% Millennial Generation (24-35 years old); 22,31% Gen X (40-55 years old); 7,37% Baby Boomers (56-74 years old); and 0,47 Pre-Boomers (75+ years old).
The high number of Generation Z and Millennials is good news for the province. In a couple of years, they will enter the workforce and has the potential to be key players in the island’s development.
Ethnicity on Papua Island
Papua Island is home to hundreds of tribes, at least 260 tribes, with distinctive cultural traditions, local values, and practices based on Papuan Population Growth Chart. The spread of ethnicity in Papua island originates from the Melanesian heritage.
This place embraces a variety of ethnicities, languages, and religions. In addition, West Papua Province is the most diverse region based on traditional languages, with at least 250 languages spoken by the community.
The local communities appreciate the value of nature. Most tribes living in remote areas (difficult plains and mountain ranges) have their livelihood depending on natural resources such as forests, rivers, and the sea.
Meanwhile, the others live near the center of the city or regency.
The territory of Indonesian Papua is divided into seven customary areas. They are Saireri, La Pago, Mee Pago, Mamberamo Tabi (Mamta), Ha Anim in Papua Province and Bomberai and Domberai in West Papua Province.
According to the Population Growth Chart, each area has a major ethnic group dominating the space.
For example, several tribes live in Mamta Customary Area, such as Sentani Tribe, Biga Tribe, Waropen Tribe, Javanese, and others.
Meanwhile, Anim Ha Customary Area consists of Mandobo and Asmat Tribe.
Apart from the local community, many non-Papuans stay on the island. They live in certain regencies that provide job opportunities, such as Merauke, Nabire, Mimika, Keerom, and Jayapura City. These five places hold the highest number of non-Papuans compared to the other regencies, with Javanese being the biggest non-Papuan ethnic group.
The Population Growth Chart of Papua Island, Indonesia, shows many ethnic groups inhabiting the island. Yet, the total population of Papua Island is relatively minor compared to other provinces. Still, the government has tried to increase the population by promoting migration programs.
