Central Papua Engages Tribal Chiefs as Bridge for Customary Aspirations

RRI.CO.ID, Nabire - The Central Papua Provincial Administration has embraced leaders from eight major tribes to strengthen cultural identity while providing positive guidance for the younger generation. This strategic step positions customary leaders as guardians of tradition and moral advisors in preventing potential social issues among indigenous Papuan (OAP) youth.

Central Papua Governor, Meki Nawipa, said the provincial administration has officially recognized eight major tribal chiefs in Central Papua as partners for OAP development. "Tribal chiefs must serve as a bridge in conveying customary community aspirations to the administration," he said in Nabire on Friday, September 18, 2026.

He said various issues emerging within the community need to be promptly communicated to the administration so they can be addressed before escalating into larger conflicts. According to him, tribal chiefs also need to build communication with other tribal chiefs and community leaders to maintain unity and order in Central Papua.

Besides maintaining the community's social life, tribal chiefs are expected to pay attention to issues of customary land, education, health, employment, and economic empowerment of indigenous communities.

"Tribal chiefs can also provide input to the government regarding development implementation and Papua Special Autonomy policies," he said, as quoted by Antara.

He said the administration has accurate OAP data so development programs and affirmative policies can be implemented with precise targeting. The tribal chiefs also have a role in maintaining identity and customary values, resolving issues through customary mechanisms and applicable laws, and providing guidance to the younger generation.

He expressed hope that tribal chiefs would fulfill their role as community leaders and government partners in maintaining unity and peace in Central Papua. "How about customary rights, grassroots community aspirations, what development needs exist, tribal chiefs become the liaison for the administration," he said.

Head of Central Papua's National Unity and Political Agency (Kesbangpol), Albertus Adii, conveyed this recognition as a form of administration partnership with indigenous communities. This step was taken while respecting existing customary mechanisms and authority.

The eight major tribes recognized by the Central Papua Provincial Administration are Mee, Moni, Wolani, Lani, Wate, Damal, Amungme, and Kamoro. The administration only provides recognition of indigenous community process outcomes as a form of partnership.

"This administration recognition is not intended to select or appoint tribal chiefs nor to take over customary leadership mechanisms," he said.

According to him, the recognized tribal chiefs and deputy tribal chiefs are not structural officials or administration apparatus. They serve as partners in communication, conveying aspirations, social mediation, and early conflict detection.

He expressed hope that the partnership would enable various community issues to be conveyed earlier. Thus, problem resolution can be carried out through dialogue, deliberation, and applicable customary and legal mechanisms. ***