The province's westernmost point encompasses the protected region of the Raja Ampat Islands, which boasts a rich variety of marine creatures, including coral reefs, leatherback sea turtle, manta rays, and whale shark.

Residents who lived there at the time recount how Doom Island was brightly illuminated at night, even though the now major city of Sorong was still pitch black.

The allied troops, led by General Douglas MacArthur, implemented the "island hopping" strategy to disrupt the Japanese logistics chain.

They gradually took control of the north coast of Papua, starting from Jayapura, then Biak, and moving to the next islands, until they reached Sausapor in Tambrauw Regency.

Lieutenant Nasution and two Papuans, Gerson Esuru (from Warwasi Village, Arguni) and Wos Rumaserang (both from the Gerakan Pelarian Pemuda) died in this attempt.

[22][23][24] While in Sorong, Simon Randa, a Torajan, with the Moi tribes supplied Indonesian guerilla forces called enso-enso lit.

[25] The dispute of Western New Guinea was resolved with the signing of the New York Agreement, putting the region under the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) until it was transferred to Indonesian control in 1963.

The residents of Kebar, Amberbaken, Mubrani, and Senopi, who felt that they had been forcibly transferred to Tambrauw, announce a new region called West Manokwari Regency.

Article from Antara News reports that the Sorong Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Southwest Papua is expected to play a vital role in empowering a large number of workers for the sake of boosting regional development.

Southwest Papua, situated in the western expanse of the Bird's Head Peninsula, encompasses diverse topographies ranging from coastal regions to mountainous terrain.

Within this rich ecosystem, a plethora of flora and fauna flourish, serving as vital sources of sustenance for local tribes and offering lucrative export commodities.

[35][36][37] The mangroves of South Sorong are connected to the river systems originating from upstream regions, notably from the Ayamaru highland area situated in the heart of the Bird's Head Peninsula.

This highland expanse, nestled within Maybrat Regency, is characterized by its karst or limestone formations, reaching elevations of approximately 350 meters above sea level.

The surrounding seas of Raja Ampat are renowned as havens of biodiversity, boasting some of the world's richest coral reef ecosystems.

The Kebar Valley is characterized by vast grasslands and a diverse array of wildlife including the bird-of-paradise, crowned pigeon and tree kangaroos.

The areas and populations as at the 2010[43] and 2020[44] Censuses, together with the official estimates as at mid 2023,[2] are tabulated below: On 25 October 2013 the People's Representative Council began reviewing draft laws on the establishment of 57 prospective regencies/cities (and 8 new provinces).

The Southwest Papua Electoral District consists of all of the 5 regencies in the province, together with the city of Sorong, and elects 3 members to the People's Representative Council.

The province has many universities, both public and private,[60] among others: Southwest Papua boasts a prestigious educational institution, SMA Averos Kota Sorong.

[63][64] Sorong, situated in Southwest Papua, holds immense promise owing to its strategic positioning along the trade routes connecting the Asia-Pacific and Australia.

Recognizing its potential, the central government took initiative in 2016 by establishing the Sorong Special Economic Zone (SEZ), encompassing an expansive area of 523.7 hectares.

The vision for the Sorong SEZ was ambitious, aiming to catalyze economic development across Papua by fostering a diverse array of industries.

Notably, the state-owned corporation Pertamina EP Cepu undertakes oil and gas drilling operations across various locales within Sorong Regency, including Salawati, Sele Linda, and Klamono.

This refinery serves to process oil extracted from Salawati and Sele Linda, contributing to the region's energy infrastructure and economic growth.

Furthermore, the facility in Arar plays a pivotal role in gas production, serving as a fuel source for the power plant situated in Sorong.

[68] South Sorong Regency boasts significant sago potential, offering a valuable resource for both traditional culinary practices and industrial-scale production.

One prominent player in this sector is PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya Agri Papua (ANJAP), a sizable company with a sago forest concession spanning approximately 40 thousand hectares in Matemani District.

Rather than extensively altering the landscape, PT ANJAP focuses on harnessing naturally occurring sago from swamps and wet peatlands.

Similarly, the flute, an integral component of the ensemble, is traditionally fashioned from bamboo, lending its unique timbre to the musical accompaniment.

In recent years, the suling tambur has become a symbol of festivity and cultural pride, extending its presence to larger events beyond traditional gatherings.

The Raja Ampat Regency Government has taken proactive steps to preserve and promote this cherished cultural heritage by organizing the Suling Tambur Festival annually since 2017.