Minister calls for preservation of Papuan culture

Jakarta, July 30 (Antara) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno has called for the preservation of the vast cultural diversities that have been prevalent for centuries in Papua. With more than 250 ethnic groups and rich cultural diversities, the easternmost Indonesian province is incomparable with any other region across the country. The provinces of Papua and West Papua have a variety of ethnic groups and cultural diversities that have manifested into tangible and intangible cultural expressions. However, modernization, globalization, urbanization, employment mobility, and other forms of migrations have posed Papuans with challenges today and led to disappearing traits. Therefore, Minister Purdijatno said that cultural diversities in Papua should be maintained. "We must not abandon the existing culture of Papua. The government now has the task of improving the welfare of the people and their livelihood in Papua," he said during a discussion titled "Voice to Papua" at Borobudur Hotel in Jakarta on Wednesday. However, he clarified that by improving employment opportunities in Papua, they do not mean that indigenous communities will have to wear business suits or change the traditional habits they have had for generations. "In other countries, local people are free to dress according to their customs in public places and at official state events. There is no problem with the people of Papua because their culture should not be compared with those of other regions," Purdijatno remarked. Furthermore, the minister noted that the task of the government today was to harmonize the welfare of the people of Papua with their own culture and customs. Therefore, while framing policies, the government has vowed to always involve the local residents of Papua, Purdijatno affirmed. In addition, Chairman of the Hubla Tribal Community in Baliem Valley Julianus Yuli Hisage has urged the government to work with the indigenous communities to preserve the local culture and tradition. "We hope the government will coordinate and work with us in our efforts to preserve our culture, arts and tradition," Hisage stated in Jayapura some time ago. The secretary of the La Pogo Tribal Council stated that tribal dances, usually performed during the Baliem Valley Festival every year, should be preserved. He added that the significance of the war dances, which could indirectly lead to hostility and resentment among the indigenous people, should be explained in a positive manner to the present and future generations. Therefore, he noted, the local government should involve the tribal community and council in the discussions in the hope that other dances and cultural performances can be maintained, developed and preserved. "We hope the local government will work with us to preserve other dances and cultural heritage such as folklore and folk songs," he reiterated, adding that it should also cooperate in preserving cultural values, arts and traditions. Preservation of the Papuan culture should be one of the priorities in regional development programs to support other sectors such as economy, education, and social culture. "So far, cultural preservation in Papua has yet to become a priority in regional development plans, but it is often used as a practical political tool by a specific group," according to Hari Suroto, a researcher from the Jayapura Archeology Center. He added that the culture of Papua is the key to understanding and developing the local society. "It means all existing resources are deployed within the framework of understanding the identity of the Papuan community," he pointed out, adding that the preservation of the Papuan culture is important to consolidate the identity of Papuan people in modern society. According to the researcher, cultural preservation and development in Papua were a crucial part of the tourism sector because they can improve the welfare of the local community. Suroto also stated that cultural shows and festivals in the province were a way for the local people to proudly showcase their traditional customs and beliefs through dance performances and songs. Moreover, a number of cultural festivals such as the Lake Sentani Festival and the Baliem Valley Festival also provide a wonderful opportunity for tourists to see the many different cultures of Papua. The annual Lake Sentani Festival is a national asset and an important event for the people of Papua because it deals with the issue of the cultural identity of the local community. The event is also intended to support the government's program in the tourism sector and to preserve local cultural values, to enrich the national cultural treasures. Besides the Lake Sentani Festival, the Baliem Valley Festival is also an occasion when tribes from the highlands of Wamena and Baliem Valley, such as the Dani, Lani, and the Yali, congregate to celebrate it. The highlight of the festival in the mock tribal warfare, held to maintain the agility and preparedness of the tribes to defend their villages. The Baliem Valley Festival is usually enhanced by various fascinating art and cultural performances, including traditional Papuan dances, pig racing, Puradan Rattan spear throwing, Sikoko spear games, traditional Papuan musical performances, and many more. Scheduled to take place from August 6 to 8, the Baliem Valley Festival will be held in the Usilimo region of Jayawijaya district. During the festival, there will also be special Sege throwing and archery competitions for foreign visitors, as a sign of appreciation for their attendance. Visitors can also experience the true meaning of being a Papuan by wearing the traditional "Koteka" costume and having their skins blackened.