The range forms the backbone of the island, running from west coast to east coast. The island is divided in half politically. The western half is the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya, and the eastern half is the independent Republic of Papua New Guinea. The Maoke Range knows no such division, and towers impressively throughout the island's entire length. The Maoke Range is extensively glaciated, and is known for its sheer rock and ice cliffs.
New Guinea ranks third in the world in equatorial ice, behind Ecuador and East Africa.
The highest peak of Irian Jaya is Puncak Jaya , otherwise known as Carstensz Pyramid. Copyright 1999 Peakware. All rights reserved.