Author(s)

Marlon Arthur Huwae

Department of Anthropology, University of Papua, Manokwari, Papua Barat, Indonesia.

The implementation of special autonomy law is to empower the natives of West Papua, Indonesia. As the locality and nativity are the main elements to access power, the status of Sougb and Wepu as the natives is threatened. This is related to the fact that they are West Papuan migrants in Kaprus. The migration of Sougb and Wepu clans to Kaprus can be scrutinized through subject right, object right, and kinds of right. Several major causes of this migration are centered on conflict, natural resources scarcity and marriage. In order to gain power and influence in Kaprus, identity reconstruction of Sougb and Wepu is carried out. It is done by utilization of Wamesa language, manipulation of clan history and social movement to control Kaprus. It is done by appointing the leader of Sougb and Wepu clan as the village leader of Kaprus.

Migration, Special Autonomy, Social Movement, Language Use, Kaprus Village

Huwae, M. (2016) Reconstructing Migrant Identity and Language Use: A Case Study of West Papuans in Kaprus Village, Teluk Wondama Regency, West Papua, Indonesia. Advances in Anthropology, 6, 93-108. doi: 10.4236/aa.2016.64009.