Papua Rising

Development, Deforestation, and Palm Oil in Papua

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In the remote highlands of West Papua, tribal leaders and communities stand at the crossroads of tradition and globalization. As corporations and governments pursue development and resource extraction, Indigenous populations face impossible choices—protect their ancestral lands or risk economic marginalization. Caught between land grabs, deforestation, and industrial expansion, they struggle to preserve their identity, environment, and knowledge of the land. This story offers a rare glimpse into Papua, where the desire for freedom and balance with nature endures amid global pressures.