Asmat Regency is a regency (kabupaten) in the northwestern portion of the Indonesian province of South Papua. It is bounded to the southwest by the Arafura Sea, to the southeast and east by Mappi Regency, to the north by Highland Papua Province and to the northwest by Central Papua Province. It was split off from Merauke Regency (of which it had been a part) on 12 November 2002.
Asmat Regency covers a land area of 25,015.31km2, and had a population of 76,577 at the 2010 Census,[3] 88,373 at the 2015 Intermediate Census,[4] and 110,105 at the 2020 Census,[5] while the official estimate as at mid 2024 was 120,902 (comprising 62,879 males and 58,023 females),[1] mostly from the Asmat ethnic group. The administrative centre of the regency is the town of Agats.
History
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
Between Indonesia's independence in 1949 and 1962, the Asmat region was administered as a part of Dutch New Guinea along with the rest of the western half of the island of Papua. In 1962, the territory was handed over the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority, which itself gave the territory to Indonesia in 1963. Western New Guinea, including the territory that would later become Asmat Regency, officially joined Indonesia through the disputed Act of Free Choice in 1969.
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.
Culture
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]
Administrative districts
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 224 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 2024.[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.
Notes: (a) created in 2016 from part of Fayit District. (b) created in 2016 from parts of Ayip and other Districts. (c) created in 2016 from part of Suator District. (d) included in the 2020 populations of the districts from which they were recently cut out. (e) created in 2016 from parts of Kolf Braza and Suator Districts. (f) includes 4 offshore islands.
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