The indigenous Papuan values to play a positive role in development

J. R. Mansoben

Cenderawasih University of Cenderawasih, Jayapura  Papua

In order to understand the positive cultural values of what is contained in the various cultures of the people of Papua that could be used as social capital for sustainable development in Papua, the use of a framework of analysis is required to find such values. Associated with it, in this paper I will use the theoretical framework introduced by C. Kluckhohn and Stodbeck through their publication Variations in Value Orientation (1961).    

Using this theoretical framework, a number of case studies have been conducted by cultural anthropologists in Papuan cultures. Thereby, a number of cultural values that are relevant to development have been found and are discussed in this paper. These positive cultural values that I refer to are cultural values of the high valuation of a person's work performance, which lead to recognition and the granting of a certain social status to those who perform well. Such values can be found in many cultures of Papua. Similarly, the attribution of high values to traditional chiefs as leaders, defenders and protectors for all the people in a society, not limited to family, friends or the clan itself, is also present in many cultures in Papua. In addition to that, future-oriented values can be found in many cultures of Papua such as the Meybrat, Mee, and Muyu Biak. The future-orientedness of values is an important aspect for development, because it can inspire people to invest for the future and thereby develop. Also values of a good (sustainable) treatment of the natural environment, where humans live and work, and from which they depend for their livelihood, is found in many cultures in Papua.

This paper describes how the positive cultural values of various tribal peoples in Papua can contribute towards sustainable development. The concluding section of the paper contains recommendations concerning possible means of transforming those values through socialization and enculturation for Papuans of present and future generations in order they recognize and utilize their own cultural values for sustainable development in Papua.