The Government of Kaimana Regency, West Papua, has officially recognized and protected the Aara Indigenous Community of the Napiti Tribe in Lakahia Village, Teluk Etna District, through Regent Decree No. 500.13/191/IX/2025, issued on October 21, 2025. This recognition honors the community’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding their ancestral lands, seas, and forests—covering more than 95,000 hectares of territory. The Aara customary area stretches from mangrove forests to the waters of the Arafura Sea, serving as a living space rich in culture and traditional wisdom. The Aara people speak the Kamoro language and uphold the Sasi (Eerera) tradition, a customary rule that regulates the use of natural resources to maintain ecological balance. They also preserve cultural heritage such as traditional houses, tifa drums, and intricate wood carvings that carry deep symbolic meaning. This decree marks a significant step in strengthening the role of Indigenous peoples as stewards of nature and protectors of cultural identity in West Papua.
Text: Friska | Photo: Desy
