YKAN Supports the Management of Indigenous Communities' Territories in Tambrauw Regency to Achieve Sustainable Management

Tambrauw Regency, located in Southwest Papua Province, boasts high biodiversity both on land and in the sea. To protect its natural potential for sustainability, Tambrauw Regency has declared itself a Conservation Regency since 2018, reinforced by Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2018.

To support the government and communities in sustainable marine management, YKAN promotes governance not only through conventional conservation schemes but also through territorial management based on customary legal management rights. YKAN has been present in Tambrauw Regency since 2021, supporting the strengthening of sustainable management based on customary law. Customary law territories have been legally recognized through Tambrauw Regent Regulation No. 12 of 2019 concerning the Recognition and Protection of the Werur Indigenous Community of Bikar District in the Management of Coastal and Marine Resources Based on Customary Law in Tambrauw Regency.

In implementing programs on the ground, YKAN collaborates with the Southwest Papua Provincial Government to ensure that the provincial government prioritizes site-level programs. The Southwest Papua Provincial Government, through the Department of Agriculture, Food, Marine, and Fisheries, provides strong support for sustainable management carried out by indigenous communities. One form of support includes incorporating indigenous community-managed areas into the draft Regional Spatial Plan Regulation for Southwest Papua Province.

“With YKAN's support, several key areas, including Indigenous community-managed marine areas in Southwest Papua Province, have been included in the draft regulation integrating the spatial plan for the province. This ensures these areas are protected under all regulatory schemes. Tambrauw Regency, part of the Bird’s Head Seascape of Papua, boasts rich marine biodiversity that sustains local communities. Therefore, we pursue these efforts. Given the critical importance of these areas, their natural potential must be continuously protected and conserved for future generations,” explained Absalom Solossa, Head of the Department of Agriculture, Food, Marine, and Fisheries of Southwest Papua Province.

Absalom added that the Southwest Papua Provincial Government cannot operate alone and requires support from the central government and regional development partners. “YKAN has been an active development partner from the outset, supporting the strategic programs initiated by the Southwest Papua Provincial Government, particularly in conservation and sustainable biodiversity management,” he added.

At the community level, YKAN adheres to the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) mechanism. This standard process ensures program implementation consent and mutual understanding of action plans in specific areas, whether involving indigenous or local communities. The FPIC process was conducted in Tambrauw Regency in 2021 and renewed in January 2025, involving various community elements traditional council representatives, church officials, youth, women’s groups, and others.

In Tambrauw Regency, YKAN assists in six villages in the Bikar District: Werur, Werwaf, Wertam, Wertim, Suyam, Bukit, and Werbes. “Our programs include supporting the management of the 12,000-hectare MHA Werur marine area, strengthening community economic groups, including women’s groups, developing community livelihoods, environmental education, and supporting community-based fisheries management through the integration of science and technology,” explained YKAN Senior Manager of the Bird's Head Seascape, Awaludinnoer.

YKAN also supports the culture and practice of marine sasi conducted by local communities. Marine sasi in the waters of Pulau Dua is an initiative of the Byak Karon Traditional Council in collaboration with church authorities. YKAN provides support through education and knowledge about sasi management and enhancing local community capacity for sasi area monitoring.

YKAN operates in regions to support the government and indigenous communities in preserving their natural heritage. This ensures that the benefits of conservation are experienced by both the present and future generations.

“YKAN always respects local cultures and customs, as well as the authority of the government. Therefore, we consistently engage in discussions with communities and local governments wherever we implement programs or activities, including in Tambrauw Regency, to ensure positive sustainability impacts for both nature and communities,” concluded YKAN Marine Program Director, Muhammad Ilman.