Tourism
"Control by indigenous peoples over developments affecting them and their lands, territories and resources will enable them to maintain and strengthen their institutions, cultures and traditions, and to promote their development in accordance with their
aspirations and needs."  Tourism in West Papua is an expanding  industry  but  it brings with it the potential to exploit    indigenous    West Papuans, both culturally and economically.   Virtually  all tourists who come to West Papua travel to the Baliem Valley in the highlands. The main town, Wamena, draws tourists who are interested in trekking and in the culture of the    local    Dani    tribes.Unfortunately, that interest in the culture is often exploitative, and the Indonesian administration of the tourism industry is mostly concerned with economic: return. There is one indigenously-owned tourism enterprise.All hotels restaurants, travel and tour operators are owned by Indonesian entrepreneurs.
Most tourist money therefore goes to Indonesians who run the losmen, hotels and small businesses, while the local Dani people can only earn cash through petty trade at the vegetable market or by haggling with tourists over everything from the price of a photo to their occasional work as guides.
Tourists in the highlands are mostly Dutch and German, with Australians conspicuously absent, probably due to the minimal press West Papua attracts in Australia.Biak, an island off the north coast, receives luxury liners because it is one of the world's best diving spots.A five star resort opened there in 1992, with a golf course, marine park and five luxury hotels, laying the groundwork for direct QANTAS flights from Australia.
The indigenous people are treated as objects of curiosity. Government policy, missionaries and now tourism have taught the locals to see traditional dress as shameful. Nowadays, when villagers can afford it, they wear modern dress - cotton shorts, t-shirts and dresses. However, although the Indonesian administration has previously tried to force people to wear clothes and live a more "civilised" lifestyle, today the authorities are happy if they go naked because it is good for tourism.
This raises the question of whether this is preserving or demeaning local culture. Tourism can provide opportunities for indigenous people to obtain cash and develop their livelihood, while respecting their tradition. If the local people have control of tourist operations, it helps to sidestep culture shock. The village of Dukun co-operatively manages its own tourism venture. Tourists can stay in a village, completely built by the co-operative to house visitors, for Rp 3000 (A $2) a night. The villagers will dress traditionally, dance and have a feast for paying tourists. Tourism can be in keeping with the dignity of indigenous people and can help them to feel pride in their traditions.
Helpful resources for people who wish to visit West Papua and discover the uniqueness of` the country's environment and people, are KaI Muller's book Indonesian New Guinea, and John. McCarthy's booklet, (plus discussion guide, especially designed for cducational use), Are Sweecl Drceams Made of This? (see Reference section).