Author : Ningsih
About two years ago, I had time to go to Papua to visit my brother who happened to be a teacher there. There were many wow moments when I was in Papua. Though I stay there about two weeks.
For me, the phrase “God created Papua while smiling” is true. And I also came to understand how beautiful Indonesia’s diversity is when visiting the island that is directly adjacent to Papua New Guinea.
Unfortunately, the media often ignores anything related to Papua except the issue of separatism. Anyway, if there is a Papuan name on TV, it almost always has something to do with OPM issues and gunfire. Even though there are so many unique things that I found there, such as the following seven things:
#1 Red fruit
When I first saw the red fruit, I thought it was not a fruit, but a vegetable. The form of red fruit is similar to large corn with a light tewel texture, but fiery red. It’s so unique.
Papuans believe that red fruits are highly efficacious. They eat this fruit not only because of its taste that is considered attractive, but also for health. When I checked on Google, it turned out that there have been many studies that reveal antioxidant levels in this fruit.
#2 The people still uphold customs
In my opinion, Papuans belong to a society that still highly upholds customs. Especially the society where my brother lives. Local norms there are still maintained without outside influence. The traditional leaders there are still highly respected.
In essence, Papuans have a high civility. They are not people who live arbitrarily or arbitrarily like market thugs. That’s why my brother said that understanding local customs is very important because it is a sensitive thing for villagers.
Things that are considered taboo and forbidden should be completely shunned. Do not let us as immigrants be considered to harass the local community. Not only hurting local people, it is possible that later all migrants will be labeled as having no civilization by Papuans.
#3 Nominal fine money that makes you faint
Actually, I have never seen this fine case directly while in Papua. But based on my brother’s narrative, someone who makes a mistake can be fined up to billions of rupiah. Ha, horrified, isn’t it?
As a Jogja resident who is accustomed to minimalist UMR, I fainted when I heard the nominal fine mentioned by my brother. But according to my brother too, the fine can be paid with pigs. The problem is, one pig in Papua is also very expensive, ygy. In addition, the recipient of the fine can also ask his family for help.
#4 Its natural beauty is amazing
Another thing related to Papua that is rarely known is the mountainous region there is beautiful glory! While driving on the mountain roads of Papua, I felt like I was in a Lord of the Ring movie. Well, although admittedly the security issues there are still quite bad.
One day, when Papua is no longer hot with separatist conflicts, I am very sure that this region can progress because of its tourism. Especially if complicated and expensive logistical problems can be overcome. Beuh, guaranteed tourists from other provinces and countries will flock to Papua.
#5 Flora and fauna are different from western Indonesia
Indonesia is divided into 3 regions by the Wallace line and Weber line. Each region has its own distinctive fauna and flora. This is more or less the explanation I once got in school.
But I only really understood this division of lines when it came to Papua. Papua is very unique. Many flora and fau are different from the islands in western Indonesia.
Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to see typical Papuan animals. But, if you want to take a little effort while spending a pretty decent fee, you can just see firsthand the beauty of birds of paradise, cassowaries, parrots, and so on.
#6 The society is the most heterogeneous
Papuan society is a very heterogeneous society. The tribes there vary greatly with different customs and languages. Even Papua contributes the largest number of languages in the country.
The role of Indonesian also became very important on Cenderawasih Island. Indonesian plays a role in facilitating communication between one tribe and another. Because of the use of this national language, Papuans have created their own dialects with distinctive habits such as abbreviating my word to “sa” and not to “tra.”
#7 Getting more modern
Don’t imagine Papua as an island that contains all forests, ygy. There, there are quite a lot of cities that can be said to be modern and equivalent to other cities in Indonesia. There are also many areas that I think will sooner or later transform into small towns.
Fast food franchises such as KFC are already there, especially in Jayapura. Likewise with various other social children’s facilities such as cinemas, contemporary cafes, to various cool places for young Papuans.
Indonesia is indeed very lucky to have Papua. Unfortunately, our media often reports negative things about Papua rather than interesting facts about this island. Even though Papua is not only rich in nature, but also very rich in culture and tradition.
Author: JS
Travel Vlogger, Journalist,
