goodmorningpapua.com – One of the largest islands in Indonesia is Papua. Overall, Papua Island has an area of 786,000 square kilometers (km2). Of this area, 418,707.7 km2.becomes a part of Indonesian territory. The rest became part of Papua New Guinea. And since 2003, Papua has been divided into 2 provinces, namely Papua with its capital Jayapura and West Papua with its capital city Manokwari.
Papua itself has 255 tribes with their own language. Among them are the Asmat, Biak, Dani, Kamoro, Sentani, and Korowai tribes. The Asmat tribe is a native Papuan tribe that is popular and well-known in the world. What is quite known about this tribe is its unique traditional wood carvings because they describe the stories of their ancestors. This tribe is also the largest in Papua. Usually, in 1 village live up to 1000 people. Each village has one Bujang house and many family houses. The Bujang’s house is used for cultural ceremonies and religious ceremonies. The family house is inhabited by two to three families, who have their own bathroom and kitchen. There are at least 70,000 Asmat people throughout Indonesia.
Another known tribe is the Dani tribe living in the Baliem Valley. The term of Dani comes from the Moni language, namely ‘Ndani’ which means east side of the rising sun. The uniqueness of this tribe is the habit of bathing when the sun is hot. This is done to reduce the cold air temperature in the morning. In addition, according to their beliefs, the morning is the time to work in the fields. Only then do they shower after their activities. Another blessing from Papua is its beautiful nature. One of the most popular is Raja Ampat. This destination is suitable for those who like diving. Based on The Nature Conservancy, 75% of the world’s marine species are found in the waters of Raja Ampat.
Papua has an amazing tourism potential. The unique ethnic and cultural diversity is certainly one of the main attractions for tourists. The characters in each tribe with a culture inherited from their ancestors that have been maintained until now are certainly a magnet for anyone who is interested in the world of tradition.
For example, tourism in villages that still maintain Honai houses, the Papuan traditional houses. The shape that resembles a mushroom with a thatched roof is an allure.
Its unique architecture certainly makes people curious. How not, although it looks small and simple, this house is able to accommodate many family members. Besides, it is also multifunctional. This traditional house also contains many philosophies such as symbols of personality and dignity.
To see immediately the life of the people living in Honai with a way of life that is still traditional, tourists can set foot in the Baliem Valley. The extraordinary blessing of the natural wealth as well as the diversity of tribes and cultures in Papua, of course, must be maximized for the welfare of the surrounding community. The community must also be able to cultivate it and continue to explore the potentials of various other Papuan regions.