Publication

This study examines ways in which mass migration and rapid economic change influenced the separatist and ethnic conflict in Papua. In the first part of the discussion, the author examines Papua's history of contact with the colonial and post-colonial state. The second part of the study describes basic features of the contemporary Papuan society. The study's main argument is that modernization and demographic change resulted in the displacement of Papua’s indigenous population, fueling demands for independence. The author concludes that the Indonesian government should improve welfare and public services for the Papuans who live in isolated communities and that it should abandon plans for mass transmigration to Papua.