The Human Development Index (HDI) of Jayapura is categorized at an upper-medium level in terms of human resource development as a result of large investment in education, health and infrastructure since Jayapura was enacted as an autonomous municipality in 1993.

Each district consists of sub-districts/villages called kelurahan and kampung. A Kelurahan is a sub-district administrative area established by formal government, while a kampung is a sub-district area based on traditional boundaries. The head of a kelurahan is appointed by the government, while the head of a kampung is appointed or elected by the community. These villages have administrative governing structures comprising the official government and village consultation board. In terms of a Kelurahan, the head of a Kelurahan carries out his/her duties according to formal government rules and regulations. While the head of a Kampung (usually the Ondoafi) conducts his duties according to local traditional rules and regulations. The village consultation board (Badan Musyawarah Kampung) is responsible for providing advice and assistance to the head of a Kampung, including the rules and regulations, as well as acquiring periodical reports from the head of a Kampung.