Welcoming the hero: Several women welcome their men who have just returned from “war”, as part of the Falabhe dance.
“One for all”, the theme for this year’s Lake Sentani Festival, was apt, as the circumstances around the Jayapura region, only about an hour’s drive from the location of this program, were still unfavorable and insecure a few days previously.
In reality, the festival, which takes place from June 19–23 on Khalkote
Beach, East Sentani district, Jayapura regency, Papua has proceeded
peacefully.
Love for the country: A man in a traditional outfit waves a red and white flag during the opening of Lake Sentani Festival, Papua, on June 19.It
has been enjoyed not only by the communities in the 25 coastal villages
of Lake Sentani, but also by people from other regions, even visitors
from other countries who happen to be in Papua. This fact reflects
heterogeneity in Papua, which, unified by national culture, is capable
of creating peace in the province.
The festival has been held
annually since 2008. In this cultural event, art performances from 19
districts in Jayapura regency are laid on.
It
also introduces regional songs, handicrafts, culinary contests and hair
braiding as features of local culture. The festival’s main attraction
is the Tour of Lake Sentani, an opportunity for tourists to go
sightseeing around the lake, covering an area of 9,630 hectares in four
districts and providing a source of living for 25,000 people.
People’s festival: Residents from around Jayapura, Papua, many of them wearing traditional dress, arrive at the festival aboard an open truck.The
cultural fiesta has been very successful because this part of Papua is
frequently considered a less developed region with difficult access by
transportation and little guest accommodation.
However the lake
festival has been attended this year by many foreign tourists from
Holland, Germany and South Korea. It’s a very good beginning to promote
the tourism charms of the country especially in East Indonesia.
— Text and photos by JP/R. Berto Wedhatama