Identity as Shortcut to access Power of West Papua

摘要

Identity as West Papuans used to be associated with physical appearance and surname. It is not politically debated until the implementation of Special Autonomy Law in 2001. The study aimed to analize about importance to be natives of Papua is highlighted. As the laws give prioritization to the natives of Papua, the status of Sougb and Wepu as the natives is questioned as they are migrants in Sougb Jaya District. In fact, Sougb and Wepu clan have inter-marriage with local clan (Wamesa) in many decades. Accordingly. They also have shifted their strategy and social engagement, they have social capital to reproduce and to maintain their identity as the natives of Sougb Jaya. The reproduction of identity is carefully executed by the change of the district name, recreation and reproduction of myth about nativity, conflict, and control over the village by appointing the leader of Sougb and Wepu clan as the village leader. In order to minimize conflict in Kaprus and other regions in West Papua, several strategies and recommendation are proposed. These include the omitting of the term "Orang Asli" (indigenous people) and the implementation of sustainable development model namely "sustainable development plus".