Climate Change and Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous Adaptation Strategies in Papua and Their Legal Implications

Abstract

This research investigates the role of traditional knowledge in indigenous adaptation strategies to climate change in Papua, Indonesia, and explores the legal implications of recognizing and integrating these practices within national and international climate policy frameworks. Indigenous Papuans have developed unique, place-based knowledge systems to manage their environments and adapt to climate variability, including shifting weather patterns, changing agricultural cycles, and rising sea levels. This study examines how these traditional adaptation practices—ranging from sustainable farming techniques to water management systems—have helped communities cope with the impacts of climate change. Using qualitative research methods, including interviews with indigenous leaders, community members, and environmental activists, the research also critically assesses the extent to which these traditional knowledge systems are acknowledged and supported by the Indonesian legal system. The findings highlight a significant gap between the cultural value of indigenous knowledge and its legal recognition, particularly in the context of land rights, conservation practices, and climate adaptation policies. While Indonesia’s national climate policies increasingly emphasize participatory approaches, indigenous communities in Papua often face legal and institutional barriers that prevent them from fully utilizing their traditional knowledge in climate change adaptation. The study argues that incorporating indigenous knowledge into legal frameworks can enhance climate resilience while ensuring that indigenous rights are respected. The research concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening legal protections for indigenous knowledge and promoting its integration into national climate strategies.