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 25,015.31 km2, and had a population of 76,577 at the 2010 Census,Biro Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2011. 88,373 at the 2015 Intermediate Census,Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2018. and 110,105 at the 2020 Census,Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2021. while the official estimate as at mid 2024 was 120,902 (comprising 62,879 males and 58,023 females),Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2025, Kabupaten Asmat Dalam Angka 2025 (Katalog-BPS 1102001.9415) 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 ethnic group that inhabits the area. The Asmat people is known for their unique wood carving art and rich ceremonial traditions.

Before 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.

Administrative districts Asmat Regency in 2010 comprised eight districts (distrik), listed below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 Census.

Name ofDistrict(distrik) Areainkm2 Pop'n 2010Census Pantai Kasuari 2,297 16,026 Fayit 968 7,025 Atsy 4,282 13,838 Suator 3,205 6,453 Akat 3,057 5,375 Agats 2,963 12,905 Sawa Erma 5,424 13,549 Suru-Suru 1,559 1,406

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, together with their official estimates as at mid 2024.Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2025, Kabupaten Asmat Dalam Angka 2025 (Katalog-BPS 1102001.9415) 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.

Kode Wilayah Name ofDistrict(distrik) Area in km2 Pop'n 2020Census Pop'n mid 2024Estimate AdmincentreNo.ofvillagesPostcode 93.04.16 Safan 663.93 6,976 8,691Primapun 1299774 93.04.15 Kopay 737.23 3,725 4,216Kawem 1099772 93.04.06 Pantai Kasuari 301.94 5,103 5,450Kamur 999773 93.04.14 Der Koumur 297.04 4,089 4,945Yankap 699771 93.04.05 Fayit 450.30 5,611 6,937Basim 1399782 93.04.21 Aswi (a) 441.38 3,782 4,016Piramat 10 99782 93.04.22 Awyu (b) 684.91 2,807 2,974Wagi 6 99771 - 99776 93.04.19 Bectbamu 700.48 2,816 3,409You 799786 93.04.02 Atsy 1,360.80 7,065 7,374Atsy 999775 93.04.18 Ayip 392.20 2,088 2,393Comoro 699776 93.04.01 Agats 718.27 23,869 25,113Bis Agats 1299777 93.04.13 Jetsy 739.70 2,611 2,943Warse 899785 93.04.17 Sirets 1,355.89 4,365 4,836Yaosakor 899787 93.04.07 Suator 2,001.02 3,209 4,313Binam 1499792 93.04.20 Joutu (c) 557.43 2,149 2,461Daikot 7 99792 93.04.11 Joerat 949.92 2,990 3,326Yamas 699784 93.04.10 Unir Sirau 498.96 3,328 1,954Komor 699780 93.04.04 Akat 95.58 5,603 2,852Ayam 599779 93.04.25 Sor Ep 3,045.06 (d) 2,629Beco 699779 93.04.09 Kolf Braza 1,172.42 2,779 1,851Binamsain 999791 93.04.23 Koroway Buluanop (e) 505.64 1,307 1,693Mabul 899791& 99792 93.04.12 Pulau Tiga 3,102.01 3,579 4,088Nakai 1199778 93.04.03 Sawa Erma (f) 2,456.44 6,084 6,496Sawa 1099783 93.04.24 Tomor Birip 1,620.65 (d) 2,590Tomor 899780 & 99781 93.04.08 Suru-Suru 166.11 4,171 3,352Suru-suru 1899781 Totals 25,015.31 110,105 120,902Agats 224

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.

Villages Atsy Bis Agats Omandesep Otsjanep

See also Asmat people Lorentz National Park

References

External links

Statistics publications from Statistics Indonesia (BPS)