Prabowo views poverty and inequality as the primary challenges in the region. His flagship initiatives, including the food estate and transmigration programs for poverty reduction are, in fact, still controversial. As such, addressing the complexities of poverty in Papua requires a cautious and nuanced approach.

A recent study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) conducted in Wamena, Jayawijaya regency, Papua Highlands province, looked at the complex issue of poverty from the Papuan perspective. Using the anthropological emic approach is essential to avoid misinterpretations that could lead to ineffective policies.

The study found that surprisingly, Papuans do not view themselves as poor because they can still eat, own land and pigs, engage in traditional activities and leverage social capital.

Land is essential for the Papuan livelihood. This emic perspective should caution the government against the arbitrary use of customary land, as many Papuans face increasing land deprivation. Arbitrary land grabbing will plunge Papuans into poverty in the real sense.

In addition to these approaches, the poverty facing indigenous Papuans should be examined within the context of human security. This approach shifts the focus from military and political concerns to the economic and social well-being of individuals and communities, prioritizing human security over national security.

The key elements of human security include economic security (freedom from poverty), health security, environmental security (protection from environmental harm), personal security (safety from violence and crime), community security (preservation of cultural and ethnic identities) and political security (enjoyment of civil rights and freedom from oppression).