Gubernur Apolo Membuka Festival Budaya Provinsi Papua Selatan di GOR Hiad Sai Merauke

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Governor Encourages Preservation and Development of South Papuan Culture and Arts Merauke - South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo is encouraging the preservation and development of culture and arts in the province. He made this statement at the opening of the South Papua Provincial Cultural Festival at the Hiad Sai Sports Hall (GOR) in Merauke, Wednesday (October 29, 2025). The festival, themed "Art Appreciation," is organized by the South Papua Provincial Education and Culture Office. The cultural event will last for three days, Wednesday-Friday (October 29-31, 2025). In his remarks, Governor Apolo stated that this cultural festival is crucial for preserving and developing the indigenous culture and arts of South Papua, which have grown and developed alongside our ancestors. "We should preserve and develop this, both now and in the future," he said. He stated that to preserve and maintain regional culture and arts, an institution is needed with the task and responsibility of managing them. "It's crucial that we hold activities like this periodically going forward; this is the foundation we are laying together," he said. He hopes this activity will serve as an example for future implementation. This year's event was carried out according to plan and according to an inventory of both culture and arts. He explained that arts encompass various types, including carving, dance, vocals, and other artistic disciplines. Furthermore, old cultures that are no longer visible or witnessed must be inventoried for preservation and future development. "After that, we will evaluate what we have done and what we still need to develop in the future," he said. He requested that similar activities continue to be developed in various forms, both through appreciation, as is currently being done, and through coaching and training for artists and cultural practitioners. "So, we're not just showcasing what we've produced in the form of arts and culture, but we're also providing mentoring and training," he said. He continued, suggesting that such activities could be programmed into the 2026 Regional Budget (APBD). "Our presence here demonstrates our shared commitment and participation in preserving and safeguarding the culture and arts of this region," said the former Rector of Cenderawasih University in Jayapura. He added that everyone in attendance provided moral support that culture is important for both current and future generations. After delivering his remarks, Governor Apolo Safanpo invited the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) to join him in playing the tifa (traditional drum) to mark the official opening of the South Papua Provincial Cultural Festival. This grand event brought together artists from four regencies in South Papua: Merauke, Boven Digoel, Mappi, and Asmat. After opening the festival, Governor Apolo and his entourage were invited to visit several booths showcasing their work, including noken (traditional handicrafts) and traditional South Papuan food.