Highland Papua

Highland Papua is an administrative province in central New Guinea, Indonesia, covering over fifty thousand square kilometers of mountainous land. The landscape consists of narrow valleys separated by rugged ridges and mountains reaching elevations above four thousand meters (about 13,000 feet).

The mountain regions remained isolated from the outside world until the early 20th century, when Dutch colonial officers and missionaries made first contact with local groups. The province was created in 2022 by dividing the former larger Papua province into several smaller units.

The Dani and other groups still live in honai houses, round huts built with timber and grass scattered in small hamlet clusters. Women often carry noken, handwoven net bags worn on the head used to transport food or children.

The region divides into eight regencies, each split into smaller districts with their own local administrations. Roads between valleys are often steep and narrow, so plan enough time when traveling between settlements.

This province is Indonesia's only one without access to the sea, lying entirely in the highlands. The name directly refers to the elevation, which makes the climate temperate and noticeably different from the hot coastal areas.

Location: Indonesia

Inception: July 25, 2022

Capital city: Welesi

Shares border with: Papua, Central Papua, South Papua, Sandaun Province, Western Province

GPS coordinates: -4.00000,139.50000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:45