Cultural Identity and Urban Transformation: Comparative Study of Papuan Cities and Southeast Asian Metropolitan Areas

Abstract

This comparative study examines how rapid urbanization affects cultural identity preservation in Papuan cities (Jayapura, Sorong, Merauke) versus Southeast Asian metropolitan areas (Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore). Using mixed methods—surveys (n=615), interviews (n=42), and spatial analysis—findings reveal that indigenous Papuans experience profound identity erosion (Cultural Identity Index: 3.2/10) compared to ethnic minorities in other Southeast Asian cities (CII: 5.8/10). Jayapura's minoritization of indigenous populations (35% urban composition) contrasts with ethnic plurality preservation in comparator cities. Cultural space analysis shows 73% reduction in traditional gathering areas in Papuan cities versus 42% in Southeast Asian counterparts over two decades. The study proposes an integrated cultural resilience framework emphasizing place-based identity anchoring, heritage architecture integration, and participatory cultural planning to mitigate urban-induced identity loss across diverse Southeast Asian contexts.