Asmat Regency

Asmat Regency is located in South Papua Province, Indonesia. The regency has a rich history and culture, much of which is influenced by the indigenous Asmat people.

Origin and Name

The name Asmat is taken from the name of the tribe that inhabits the area. The Asmat tribe is known for their unique wood carving art and rich ceremonial traditions.

Colonization

Before the arrival of the colonizers, the Asmat people lived in a traditional social structure that focused on customary and ritual systems. Dutch colonization began to influence the region in the late 19th century, although its influence was indirect and often intersected with local culture.

Dutch Colonization

During the Dutch colonial period, Asmat, like many other areas in Papua, was the focus of exploration and missions. However, Dutch influence in Asmat was relatively limited compared to other areas in Papua.

Accession of Indonesia

After Indonesia's independence in 1945, the Asmat region became part of Papua, which was ruled by Indonesia. In 1969, Papua officially joined Indonesia through the Act of Free Choice (PEPERA), including the Asmat region.

Formation of the Regency

Asmat Regency was formed in 1969 as part of an administrative effort to better manage and address the needs of the local community. The regency became part of Papua Province, and then, after expansion, became part of South Papua Province in 2022.

Asmat Regency is renowned for its cultural diversity, including wood carving and traditional ceremonies, which are major attractions for researchers and tourists. Asmat history and culture remain an important part of the region's identity.^[6]

Asmat Regency in 2010 comprised eight districts (distrik), listed below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 Census.^[3]

However, by 2012 the number of districts had increased to nineteen; the eleven additional districts created in 2011 and 2012 were Kopay, Der Koumur, Safan, Sirets, Ayip, Betcbamu, Kolf Braza, Jetsy, Unir Sirau, Joerat, and Pulau Tiga. In 2016 another four districts were created (Awyu, Aswi, Joutu and Koroway Buluanop), bringing the total to twenty-three districts, comprising 221 administrative villages. The districts are listed below with their areas and their populations at the 2020 Census,^[5] together with their official estimates as at mid 2023.^[1] The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres, the number of administrative villages (kampung) in each district, and its post code. More recently another two districts have been created - Tomor Birip and Sor Ep - by further division of existing districts, bringing the total to 25 districts, but separate figures for these are not yet available.

Notes: (a) created in 2016 from parts of Ayip and other Districts. (b) created in 2016 from part of Fayit District. (c) created in 2016 from part of Suator District. (d) created in 2016 from parts of Kolf Braza and Suator Districts. (e) includes 4 offshore islands.

• Atsy
• Bis Agats
• Omandesep
• Otsjanep

• Asmat people
• Lorentz National Park

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Asmat Regency.

• Statistics publications from Statistics Indonesia (BPS)