What is the highest mountain on the island of New Guinea?

The highest mountain on the island of New Guinea is Puncak Jaya, rising to 4,884 metres in Indonesia’s Central Papua province.

Also called Carstensz Pyramid, Puncak Jaya stands in the Sudirman Range, part of New Guinea’s central highlands. Its height makes it the highest point in Indonesia and the highest summit on any island in the world. It is also commonly included among the Seven Summits, depending on how Oceania is defined.

The mountain’s geographical status creates a common mix-up. New Guinea is often treated as part of the Australian continent in a biogeographical sense, making Puncak Jaya the continent’s highest peak. But Western New Guinea is politically administered by Indonesia, which is generally grouped with Southeast Asia. Mount Wilhelm, in Papua New Guinea, is lower at about 4,509 metres.

Puncak Jaya was first climbed in 1962 by an expedition including Heinrich Harrer and Philip Temple. Its Indonesian name means “Victorious Peak”; the Amungme name is Nemangkawi Ninggok.