This chapter investigates the histories of regional identities and Papuan elite politics to map the current political landscape in Papua. While the national decentralisation policy aims at accommodating anti-Jakarta sentiments in the regions and intends stimulating development, it augments contentions within the Papuan elite that go hand in hand with ethnic and regional tensions and increasing demands for more sovereignty amid communities.
Indonesian language version of 'Erring ecentralisation and elite politics in Papua' This book chapter focuses on conflicts in the Province of Papua (former Irian Jaya) evoked by the recent devolution of power of administrative functions in Indonesia.
