Arriving At Mimika, Ganjar Pranowo Is Even Greeted By The Lumping Horse Dance

Photo of Ganjar Pranowo arriving at Mimika (Central Java Provincial Government Public Relations)

JAKARTA - Mozes Kilangin Mimika Airport in Papua was suddenly filled with hundreds of people. Not only native Papuans, but hundreds of overseas including from Java came in droves there.

They were waiting for the arrival of Ganjar Pranowo, the Governor of Central Java. Ganjar, who came to Papua to encourage Central Java athletes at PON Papua, flew from Jayapura to Mimika to encourage a number of athletes who competed there.

Getting off the plane at around 11.45 WIT, Ganjar was greeted by the Deputy Regent of Mimika, Johannes Rettob, and only a few officials. Ganjar was immediately wrapped in a Noken and pinned with a Papuan hat.

The atmosphere changed when Ganjar came out of the airport terminal. There, hundreds of people were already crammed into the exit, shouting his name.

"I'm from Solo, sir, I'm Pati, sir, Mr. Banyumas, sir," shouted a number of residents, Monday, October 4.

Uniquely, it is not a typical Papuan dance that welcomes Ganjar's arrival at Mimika Airport. Instead, the dances used to welcome Ganjar are the lumping horse and Kethek Ogleng from Banyumas, Central Java. Two dancers dressed as white monkeys danced in front of the group, accompanied by gamelan music playfully.

"We are from Banyumas, sir, this is the original art of Banyumas. Welcome sir, we are your citizens sir,” they shouted.

Ganjar graciously serves the people who want to high five with him. Several times, Ganjar also stopped for a moment to serve the community for selfies. The journey from the door to the outside to the parking lot took a long time, because the people were so enthusiastic when welcoming him.

"It's all good. Take care of your health,” said Ganjar greeting the hundreds of people.

In Mimika, Ganjar plans to encourage a number of sports to be contested there for two days. There are many sports that are competed in Mimika. These include rock climbing, athletics, basketball, kite flying, judo, fighting drajat, aeromodeling, and several other sports. A number of Central Java athletes are said to have the potential to win gold medals in the sports that are held in that place.

Central Java Public Relations Photo