This lowland area is directly adjacent to the Teluk Cenderawasih National Park and boasts immense potential for marine tourism including coral reefs, white sandy islands, and whale sharks in their natural habitat.

The southern part of Central Papua is mostly swampy terrain and the location of port of Amamapare and Timika, the largest town in this province.

[10] Since the 18th century, the western region of Mimika has been the furthest reach of the Tidore Sultanate's "Uli Siwa" influence on the south-west coast of Papua Island.

The trade relations for slaves, ironwares, clothes and body ornaments that were established exerted a great deal of influence on the local population with the use of titles of Moluccan origin (raja, major, kapitan and orang tua) as well as the Islamic culture of the people such as the use of turbaned hats and the custom of not eating pork until the 1950s.

[12] This trade relationship and influence from the Moluccas gradually disappeared with the strengthening of Dutch colonialism, and the influx of Catholic missionaries and Chinese traders.

[11][12] The interior of Central Papua is inhabited by tribes such as Mee (Ekari) and Moni, who live traditionally by clearing fields and cultivating tubers, raising pigs, fishing, and engaging in feasting.

[13] Later in the 1930s, a Dutch pilot named Frits Wissel flew over the highland area and came across three large lakes where the Mee tribe resided.

Among the members of the team was a geologist named Jean Jacques Dozy, who discovered large copper deposits in one of the places they passed.

They succeeded in discovering enormous potential in the region, leading to the signing of the first contract with the Government of Indonesia under President Suharto, who had just passed Law No.

Apart from opening a mine, Freeport also built supporting infrastructure, including Amamapare Port in the Kamoro Tribe area and a settlement called Kuala Kencana in 1995.

The two groups fought and held each other hostage for about a week until finally the central government issued a decision to postpone the division of the province on 28 August.

In 1966, the capital of Paniai was moved from Enarotali in the interior to Nabire on the coast because it was easily accessible by sea transportation, making it strategically important as a gateway to other inland areas.

[34] Protesters also argued that the last 20 years of the effort by locals to support the creation of Central Papua province was always with Timika as capital and not Nabire.

Puncak Jaya, the highest peak in Indonesia and Oceania, stands at over 4,800 meters above sea level and is covered by Carstensz Glacier.

[53][54] Among the mountains lie numerous valleys, reaching altitudes of over 1,500 meters above sea level, serving as settlements for indigenous tribes, for example the Mee people.

The lack of adequate infrastructure and the prevalence of Free Papua Organization terrorist activities pose significant challenges in delivering aid to these affected areas.

[56] The lowland areas of Central Papua have flatter terrains, fostering rapid development and drawing in numerous immigrants, particularly in bustling hubs like Timika, one of the region's largest cities, and Nabire, the provincial capital.

The Nabire coast is part of the Teluk Cenderawasih National Park, featuring pristine white sandy beaches, islands, and waters teeming with diverse marine life, including whale sharks and vibrant coral reefs.

Meanwhile, to the east lie the Jayawijaya Mountains, which are inhabited by Amungme, Damalme, Wano [id], alongside Dani, Lani, and Nduga (Dauwa) which can also be found in the neighbouring province of Highland Papua.

For example, Saireri region in coastal Nabire have different culture compared to mountain groups of Mee Pago in Paniai Lakes and surrounding area.

[69][70] Traditional houses in Central Papua exhibit diverse architectural styles influenced by the culture and geographical features of each region.

Their traditional houses are modest yet functional, typically constructed with wooden walls and thatched roofs made from leaves or alang-alang grass.

Operated by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan from the United States, Grasberg yields not only gold but also copper and silver.

SKPT Mimika has proven to be quite successful, yielding tens of thousands of tons of fish annually, including mackerel, lemuru, manyung, gulamah, black pomfret, and sembilang.

A considerable portion of the frozen fish is transported to major cities like Surabaya, Jakarta, Jayapura, and Merauke, while some are exported abroad to countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

SKPT Mimika boasts comprehensive facilities such as a frozen warehouse and ice factory, attracting numerous fishing vessels to dock.

It stands as a tourist destination with abundant natural treasures, characterized by azure seas adorned with pristine white sandy islands and coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life.

In addition to its scenic beauty, visitors can also experience thrilling dives alongside whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), a majestic species found in Kwatisore.

Encompassing an expansive 2.5 million hectares, it stands as the largest national park in Southeast Asia and holds the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Renowned for its diverse ecosystems, Lorentz National Park spans from snow-capped mountains to lush tropical rainforests and extensive swamp areas, providing habitat for numerous endemic species.