Orpha Novita YosHua

Orpha, a proud member of the Namblong Tribe from Berap Village in Jayapura Regency, West Papua, is deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological richness of Grime Valley. Her tribe's customs, such as the Indjo Fihre Ssing initiation house and the sacred Namblong language, shape her worldview and advocacy.

Now residing in Jayapura City, Orpha studied International Relations with a specialization in Transnational Communities, focusing on conflict resolution, indigenous rights, gender, and politics. Her academic and volunteer work centers on amplifying indigenous voices, particularly around land rights and cultural preservation in Papua.

Orpha’s leadership journey has been shaped by grassroots experiences, including organizing rights-based workshops and engaging with vulnerable communities through an NGO. She joins the Indonesia Young Leaders Programme to strengthen her capacity as a change-maker—learning strategies for sustainable development, cultural preservation, and inclusive governance. In Aotearoa New Zealand, she hopes to deepen her understanding of Māori culture, enhance her English skills, and explore child-centered education and environmental sustainability.

Beyond her academic and advocacy work, Orpha finds joy in swimming in the Blue River, singing reggae and 90s pop, crafting, forest walks, and family time. Known in her community as part of the “NGO family,” she dreams of using her IYLP experience to empower others, initiate local projects, and inspire youth leadership rooted in empathy, culture, and justice.