Baliem Valley Festival- Papuan Culture

Baliem Valley Festival- Papuan Culture

Baliem Valley Festival- Papuan Culture

https://westpapuadiary.com/baliem-valley-festival-chance-to-experience-the-different-traditions-in-west-papua/

The Baliem Valley is nestled in the Central highlands of Papua lying at an altitude of about 1,800m, surrounded by a crest of steep green mountains and home to three of Papua’s interior tribes: the Dani, Lani and Yali tribes. The Dani live in the center, the Lani tribe in the West and the Yali tribe in the South east. Although this is one of the most densely populated areas of Papua and these groups have lived in this area for thousands of years, the Baliem valley has only recently been discovered by westerners when American Richard Archbold noticed beautiful   terraced fields dotted through the valley from his plane in 1938. The Baliem valley is bisected by the Baliem River which flows from Mt. Trikora, through the Baliem Valley before reaching the Arafura Sea.

Every year these three tribes gather together in Wamena for the annual Baliem Valley Festival, one of the significant cultural events in the history of the Indonesian people. This festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience an event central in preserving and celebrating the cultural values of three of Papua’s remarkable interior tribes.

This spectacular event highlights many of the unique cultural values and traditions of the Dani, Lani and the Yali tribes. One of the main features is the mock battles between the tribes an event which is held over two days with about 26 groups of 30-50 people. These mock battles are accompanied by the sound of the traditional Papuan Pikon.

In addition to these mock battles other celebrations include traditional dancing and music, Puradan (rattan spear throwing), Sikoko (spear games), pig racing, earth cooking and the pig roast feast. Visitors can also take part in the Sege throwing and archery competition.

Etiquette in Indonesia

The people of Indonesia are, in general, reserved and friendly. It is hard to generalize such a diverse group of people making up one country, so when in doubt, follow the locals. If the mood is quiet, don’t talk loudly, if someone hands you something with two hands, receive it with two hands. Women are seen as quiet and reserved, it is not common to show signs of affection, or for women to engage in physical contact with men outside of their family. A way of greeting in the Muslim part of Indonesia is touch your hand to your heart as a sign of respect. Same sexes may extend hands while opposite sexes may not.

Remember, in much of the world, the left hand is seen as unclean so do not handle food, shake hands, or open doors with your left hand.

Dress in Indonesia and Papua

Most Indonesians dress conservatively, especially women. In Papua, the penis guord is far from conservatively by western standards, but outside of tribal areas, people tend to cover up. As a visitor, it is advised that you cover yourself, especially if you are a female. Do not show any midriff, plunging necklines, or wear short clothing. At the very least cover your shoulders. When traveling in jungle areas it is best to wear lightweight pants, to avoid getting bitten by bugs and scrapped by thorny branches.

Food and Drink

Due to the diversity of cultures in Indonesia and Papua, the food and drink varies widely. In Papua wild game, fish and various native root plants dominate the menu. Pork is typically not present in the rest of Indonesia (with the exception of Bali) because pork is non-halal and considered unclean. Tempe or pressed soybeans, is a staple food in much of Indonesia. The Island of Java is known for its spice and special blends of chili and oil, called sambal, is a popular treat. So popular that there are restaurants dedicated to this extremely hot paste. Satay, or meet on a sick, is a popular street food treat. Options range from your typical meat cuts to snail, intestines and even skin. Indonesia is also well known for its coffee. From regular coffee to the famous Kopi Luwak, or cat poop coffee, there is something for everyone’s taste.

Alcohol, although legal in Indonesia, is not widely consumed. Imports from Singapore, Australia and the Philippines are common. There are also a few local beers available for purchase in tourist restaurants, clubs, grocery, stores and some convenience stores. 

Asbat Mohamed
Author: Asbat Mohamed

Related Post
Daily Newsletter
Get all the top post and stories form karibunitravel.co.ke

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

All Category
Share
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
5/5

Popular Viewed

The Beautiful Island of Papua Part II
The Beautiful Island of Papua Part II
1. Raja Ampat Raja Ampat, popular for its breathtakingly beautiful sea, can be one of finest...
The Beautiful Island of Papua
The Beautiful Island of Papua
1. Sentani Lake Sentani Lake, reachable through the curved paths amidst the hills that surround...
Facts About the Papua Culture
Facts About the Papua Culture
1. Becoming the Second Largest Island in the World Papua is often considered a small territory...
PAPUA (IRIAN JAYA)
PAPUA (IRIAN JAYA)
Papua, formerly known as Irian Jaya, is the second largest island in the world. The territory...
Government Seriously Monitors Educational Aspirations in Papua
Government Seriously Monitors Educational Aspirations in Papua
https://www.wapresri.go.id/pemerintah-serius-kawal-aspirasi-pendidikan-di-tanah-papua/ Papua is...
President Affirms that Papua Land is a Development Priority
President Affirms that Papua Land is a Development Priority
https://www.menpan.go.id/site/berita-terkini/dari-istana/presiden-tegaskan-tanah-papua-jadi-prioritas-pembangunan Indonesian...
A brief history of Papua
A brief history of Papua
Name and Historical Background When the Dutch government was in power in the Papua region until...
A glimpse of Papua
A glimpse of Papua
Papua is a province in Indonesia which is located on the western island of New Guinea.   Papua...
Facts about Papua as the Coldest Island in Indonesia
Facts about Papua as the Coldest Island in Indonesia
https://www.indonesia.go.id/ragam/pariwisata/pariwisata/fakta-tentang-papua-sebagai-pulau-terdingin-di-indonesia Mulia...
PAPUA: province of indonesia
PAPUA: province of indonesia
Papau is an area of cultural and biological diversity, the population of (west) papua province...

Recent Post

https://www.karibunitravel.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3332863379-scaled.jpg
The Beautiful Island of Papua Part II

1. Raja Ampat Raja Ampat, popular for its breathtakingly beautiful sea, can be one of finest...

https://www.karibunitravel.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/67856974.jpg
The Beautiful Island of Papua

1. Sentani Lake Sentani Lake, reachable through the curved paths amidst the hills that surround...

https://www.karibunitravel.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Yospan-Dance-Traditional-Dance-From-Papua.jpg
Facts About the Papua Culture

1. Becoming the Second Largest Island in the World Papua is often considered a small territory...

https://www.karibunitravel.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/image-14.png
PAPUA (IRIAN JAYA)

Papua, formerly known as Irian Jaya, is the second largest island in the world. The territory...

https://www.karibunitravel.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pemerintah-Serius-Kawal-Aspirasi-Pendidikan-di-Tanah-Papua-1024x480-1.webp
Government Seriously Monitors Educational Aspirations in Papua

https://www.wapresri.go.id/pemerintah-serius-kawal-aspirasi-pendidikan-di-tanah-papua/ Papua is...