Province

Central Papua

Papua – Central Papua

Central Papua, a province located in eastern Indonesia, is a new province that was split from Papua province on June 30, 2022, based on Law No. 15/2022 and Law No. 16/2022. The province is bordered by the districts of Waropen, Mamberamo Raya, and Cendrawasih Bay to the north. To the east, it is bordered by Lanny Jaya, Nduka, Tolikara, and Asmat districts; to the south lies the Arafuru Sea; and to the west are Kaimana district and Wondama Bay.

Central Papua Province encompasses a land area of 66,129 square kilometers, with the Nabire regency serving as the province’s central hub, acting as both the capital city and the administrative center. The province has a population of 1.3 million people.

The population of this province reflects a diverse religious landscape. Christians make up the largest share at 68.59 percent, followed by Catholics at 19.01 percent. Islam is practiced by 12.26 percent of the population, while Hindus and Buddhists form a very small minority, accounting for 0.07 percent and 0.03 percent, respectively. The remaining 0.04 percent adhere to other faiths.

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Economic Description

Despite its recent establishment as a province, Central Papua boasts a promising economic outlook. In 2023, the province achieved a Gross Domestic Regional Product (GRDP) of Rp 101.6 trillion, with the mining and quarrying sector emerging as the primary driver of the region’s economic activity with a GRDP of Rp 78.3 trillion. This sector's dominance highlights the region's rich natural resources and their importance in driving economic growth.

The creation of the new autonomous regions of Central Papua, as well as South Papua, and Highland Papua, has led to a change in how local people make a living. As Central Papua was once part of Papua province, their commodities are very similar. Just like Papua province, Central Papua is now relying more on fishing and maritime activities, having previously mainly relied on gold mining. This is evidenced by the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector closely following the mining sector, making a notable contribution of Rp 6.16 trillion.

Lastly, the construction sector contributes around Rp 5.2 trillion to Central Papua’s GRDP. Due to its recent establishment, there is significant market potential for construction in this province. Furthermore, infrastructure development efforts on the island of Papua have been geared towards benefiting both the general population and commercial enterprises. Consequently, it has become increasingly crucial to continually enhance the province’s infrastructure to support the overall infrastructure development of the island.

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Latest News

January 5, 2026

Thousands of residents crowded the coast of Nabire Beach to witness a spectacular fireworks display marking New Year's Day 2026 in Central Papua on Jan. 1, 2026.

"Hopefully, this moment will become the spirit and foundation for how we will collectively build this nation in the future," said Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa.

The provincial government initiated the fireworks display so that the public would not have to procure permits and independently purchase firecrackers. Nawipa also outlined achievements and strategic plans in Central Papua's education sector as concrete evidence of development for Papuan indigenous people in the province.

In addition, the Central Papua Provincial Government has guaranteed tuition fees for outstanding students and waived operational fees at the high schools and vocational high schools throughout the province. By 2026, the free school program will reach all students at the junior high school level.

"So now, the people of Central Papua are ready to work together to build this country," Nawipa emphasized.

He hopes that the synergy between the government and the people will make 2026 a period full of blessings for the welfare of all levels of society. The governor concluded with optimism that the quality of life for Central Papuans in the future will be better than today.

The lively event also included an interfaith prayer as a form of gratitude for peace in the new province.

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