The Map of West Papua Language

There are various exciting facts to know about Papua, including West Papua Language. The language diversity will lead you to know more about its culture and people.

West Papua is an Indonesian province located at the western tip of the island of Papua. The capital is Manokwari. The name of this province was previously West Irian Jaya which was stipulated in Law Number 45 of 1999. Based on Government Regulation Number 24 of 2007, on April 18, 2007, the name of this province changed to West Papua. West Papua and Papua are provinces with special autonomy status.

This province has an exciting landscape, ranging from the Cenderawasih Bay National Park to the Raja Ampat archipelago. However, what is fascinating in this province is not only the scenery. This province has many exciting and different local languages ​​in each region.

It’s great to know the uniqueness of the languages spoken in this fascinating province. Here is the list of the West Papua language based on the regency or the city. 

Language Distribution in Tambrauw

Tambrauw Regency is one of the regencies in the province. In 2010, this district had the least population in Indonesia, which was only 6,144 people.  Although it only has 6000+ people living in it, the West Papua language diversity here is interesting to know. The languages ​​spoken in Tambrauw are Abun, Abun Ji, Irires, Karon, and Mpur.

Kaimana Regency

The capital of Kaimana district is located in Kaimana district. The land and sea area of ​​the Kaimana Regency is 36,000 km2, consisting of a land area of ​​18,500 km2 and an ocean/water area of ​​± 17,500 km2. The local languages ​​spoken in Kaimana are Air Matoa, Girimora, Gua, Irarutu Bafuar, and many more.

Raja Ampat Regency

The Raja Ampat Islands are four adjacent islands located in the western part of the Bird’s Head of Papua Island. These islands are one of the famous tourist destinations in Papua. Not only Indonesians but foreigners also go to Raja Ampat. Some of the regional languages ​​spoken in Raja Ampat are Ambel, Amber, Batanta, Beser, Gebe, Matbat, etc.

Manokwari

Manokwari is the capital of West Papua and is a historic city for Protestants. The traditional languages ​​in Manokwari are Hatam, Mansim Borai, Meyah, Numfor, and Sough.

Sorong

Sorong City is quite a big city in Papua, Indonesia. This city is known as the City of Oil, where the Nederlands Nieuw-Guinea Petroleum Maatschappij began carrying out oil drilling activities in Sorong in 1935. The traditional languages ​​of Sorong include As, Awe, Efpan, Esaro, Imiyan, Kais, Kalabra, Kokoda, and much more.

Bintuni Bay Regency

Teluk Bintuni is the largest district in West Papua. The traditional languages ​​used are Arandai, Damban, Inora, Kemberano, Kuri, Moskona, Sou, Wamesa, and so on. It is exciting to understand the diversity of languages in this big area.

Teluk Wondama Regency

Teluk Wondama Regency is one of the regencies in the province. The district capital is located in Rasiey. This district began to form on April 12, 2003, due to the division of Manokwari Regency. The traditional languages ​​of Wondama Bay are Dusner, Jamor, Muri, Ron, Samu, etc.

Each region in West Papua has a unique language according to the culture that develops in the area. Generally, these languages ​​are no longer used as official languages; most languages ​​are no longer used in everyday speech. However, in some events or small communities, we can still find these languages. Of course, it will be better if these languages ​​are preserved to not become extinct.