South Papua is also home to the renowned Wasur National Park, an expansive wetland area with rich biodiversity including agile wallaby, mound-building termites or musamus, and the bird of paradise.

In 1902, the Dutch established a military base at the eastern tip of South Papua, near the Maro River, to strengthen the border and eliminate this tradition.

A concentration camp called Tanah Merah was established, it was a densely forested area surrounded by the harsh Digul River, making it difficult for prisoners to escape.

In contrast, "South Papua" was selected as an inclusive and unifying name that avoids any negative connotations and reflects the diverse and vibrant cultural heritage of the region.

Situated in Merauke, an area renowned for its extensive lowland and fertile terrain, the project sought to capitalize on the region's vast land for agricultural purposes.

However, its progression faced significant challenges, stemming from divergent perspectives among government entities, investors, and the indigenous Marind community, who held land rights in the area.

Furthermore, mounting pressure from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) decrying the project as a violation of indigenous rights and environmental degradation prompted a cessation of new land development activities by the involved companies.

[20][21][22] During the time of President Joko Widodo, the Food Estate project was revived in various regions with 200,000 hectares of land designated for Papua Island.

Sago thrives in lowland environments and exhibits robust growth even in areas prone to flooding, including swamps, coastal regions, peatlands, and along riverbanks.

[25] Additionally, there is a smaller but unique ecoregion called Trans-Fly savanna and grasslands which are part of Wasur National Park, a Ramsar wetland of international importance.

[24][27] The South Papua region was designated as a transmigration program site due to its expansive lowland areas with vast amount of water which offer ideal conditions for rice cultivation.

Transmigration districts such as Semangga, Tanah Miring, and Kurik serve as primary sources of agricultural produce destined for markets in the City of Merauke.

Hunting as practiced by Marind people usually begins with a traditionally controlled burn of peat bog and swamps, it was then left for three days to a week for new shoots to grow, which will invite game animals such as deer, pigs, saham (Notamacropus agilis).

A temporary hut called bivak would be constructed from barks from Bus, a type of eucalyptus tree to form the walls and the roof made from Lontar leaves.

[38] To open and close sasi regions such as forests, usually the Marind-Kanume mark with two arrows shot to the west and to the east to respect three clans that inhabited the area as well as other rituals which can take up to forty days.

[40][41][42] Due to the swampy terrain and extensive river networks in South Papua, numerous tribes rely on boats for their daily transportation needs.

In ancient times, the Asmat people utilized these boats not only for transportation but also as integral elements of their headhunting customs, which instilled fear in neighboring communities.

Spices used can include shallot, garlic, coriander, pepper, and salt, which are then mixed and covered with banana leaves, to cook it evenly hot stones or bomi would be put on top of the dish.

[20][21][22] In South Papua, extensive oil palms plantations are established in Merauke and Boven Digoel, managed primarily by large corporations.

To address this issue, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries aims to regulate these external vessels by prioritizing the interests of local fishermen and enhancing infrastructure at the Merauke fishing port.

This strategy entails mandating that fish caught in the region be transported to Merauke and dispatched via this port, thereby facilitating economic contributions to the local community.

[69][70] One prominent player in the fisheries sector is the Chinese company PT Dwikarya Reksa Abadi, operating in Wanam, Ilwayab District, Merauke.

However, in 2015, the company faced the revocation of its business license due to violations of regulations, notably including those outlined in Minister of Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti's directive concerning the moratorium on foreign vessels.

[74][75][76] There is public transportation available in South Papua, for example Perum DAMRI buses which serve pioneer routes from Merauke to other districts such as Kurik, Tanah Miring, Jagebob, Sota, and Muting.

[77] The water transportation sector plays a vital role in South Papua's economic development, facilitating connectivity within the province and linking it to other parts of Indonesia.

[78] Additionally, the pioneering ship KM Sabuk Nusantara operates the Merauke route, extending its reach to smaller ports in South Papua's interior such as Kimaam, Wanam, Bade, Agats, and Atsy, before continuing its journey to other Indonesian regions.

Situated on the banks of a river amidst a swamp, the village of Asmat and its capital, Agats town, feature structures elevated from the ground using wooden planks or concrete.

[80] Speedboats are also utilized for inland exploration in South Papua, such as accessing Senggo town in the Citak Mitak District located in the northern region of Mappi Regency.

However, travel to this area faces obstacles due to the presence of an abundant plant species that extensively covers river bodies known as "tebu rawa" (Hanguana malayana) which literally translates to "swamp sugarcane".

To make these waterways navigable, the tebu rawa is cleared, albeit requiring significant effort, often resulting in boats needing to be manually pushed through due to substantial mud buildup.