The Korowai people of Papua were only discovered by the outside world about 35 years ago, deep in the untouched interior of Papua. With a population of roughly 3,000, they live far from modern civilization. It was through missionaries that they first encountered the Indonesian Rupiah, and later they became involved in foreign forestry projects, working as guides and boat drivers. What immediately captures the imagination is their way of life living in tree houses, some soaring up to 35 meters above the forest floor.
These towering tree houses are not built for spectacle, but for survival. They offer protection from wild animals, seasonal floods, hostile enemies such as headhunters, and unseen spirits believed to roam the forest. They also keep mosquitoes at bay. Among the Korowai, height carries meaning the higher the house, the safer the family, and the higher their social standing within the community.
The Korowai live on the mainland of Papua and are distinct in that they do not wear koteka. Their traditions and daily rhythms remain closely tied to the forest that surrounds them.
Getting to Korowai land is an adventure in itself. The journey begins in Jayapura, followed by a domestic flight to Dekai in Yahukimo. From there, the road disappears. Travel continues by motorcycle, motorized canoe, and finally on foot, trekking deep into the rainforest. Each step further inland feels like moving back in time toward a world that remains raw, resilient, and profoundly human
