Abstract: Based on tectonic and sedimentary evolution, combined with drilling, logging and geochemical data, the development and distribution of Mesozoic and Cenozoic hydrocarbon source rocks in the Papua basin was analyzed. The results show that there are four sets of source rocks in this area, and Jurassic source rocks are the main source rocks. Deltaic argillaceous source rocks are mainly developed in Jurassic of Mesozoic,argillaceous source rocks of littoral-shallow Marine facies are mainly developed in Cretaceous. In Cenozoic Miocene and upper Pliocene, the main source rocks of the argillaceous hydrocarbon in the littoral and shallow Marine facies are developed. Taking the thickness of source rock, the abundance of organic matter and the maturity into consideration, the hydrocarbon generation potential of the main hydrocarbon generation horizon in the Papuan basin is evaluated.