South Papua Introduces Natural and Cultural Tourism Attractions in Jakarta
South Papua continues to introduce itself as a tourist destination that offers a different experience compared to other regions in Indonesia.
Equipped with a still-preserved natural landscape, the richness of the indigenous people's culture, to the developing creative economic potential, the youngest province in Indonesia is starting to expand the scope of promotion to attract tourists while opening up collaboration opportunities.
This effort was realized through the South Papua Integrated Promotion activity which took place at Sarinah, Jakarta, on July 24-26, 2026.
Carrying the theme "South Papua - The Untouched Paradise of Indonesia", this activity presents various tourism potential to urban communities who may not have known South Papua as a destination.
During the three days of the event, visitors are invited to explore various aspects of the life of South Papua through exhibitions of UMKM products, noken making workshops, Asmat carving art demonstrations, typical culinary offerings, to cultural art performances and performances by the Papua Original Band.
Coinciding with Car Free Day in the Sarinah-Thamrin area on Sunday, July 26, the activity also attracted the attention of thousands of people who crowded the location.
Not only showcasing cultural products, this promotion also shows the natural wealth that is the main attraction of South Papua. One of them is the Wasur National Park which is often dubbed the "Serengeti of Papua" because it has a stretch of savannah, swamp, and unique biodiversity.
The conservation area is also the natural habitat of the ground kangaroo or walabi, an endemic animal that is one of the icons of South Papua.
On the other hand, cultural heritage is also a strength of this region. Asmat carvings that have been known to foreign countries are proof of the richness of the art of the Papuan people, while the Marind tribe tradition shows the cultural values that are still maintained until now.
The combination of natural and cultural tourism is an important capital in developing sustainable tourism while encouraging local community economic growth.
Head of the South Papua Provincial Office of Tourism, Youth, Sports, and Creative Economy, Soleman Jambormias, S.Pd., M.Pd., said this activity was part of an effort to introduce South Papua to the Indonesian people as an authentic and potential tourist destination.
"Through this activity, we want to invite the public to see South Papua as an authentic tourist destination, as well as an area with great potential for the development of creative economy and investment. We hope that more people will come, get to know, and experience the charm of South Papua directly," said Soleman Jambormias, S.Pd., M.Pd., at the Closing Ceremony of South Papua - The Untouched Paradise of Indonesia, Sarinah, Jakarta, Sunday, July 26.
Tourism promotion does not only focus on increasing the number of tourist visits, but also an effort to build an understanding that South Papua has competitiveness through its natural and cultural authenticity.
The experience offered is not limited to enjoying the panorama, but also interacting with local traditions, witnessing the art of the community, to getting to know creative economic products that are born from local wisdom.
The Chairperson of the Committee and South Papua Tourism Ambassador, Laura Diana, said that all series of activities were designed so that the public could experience an experience that represented the identity of South Papua.
"This activity can be a bridge to strengthen the image of South Papua at the national level while opening up investment opportunities, collaboration, and increasing tourist visits which have a direct impact on the welfare of local communities," said Laura Diana Freddy Pietersz, Chair of the Committee & South Papua Tourism Ambassador.
Through promotions that unite tourism, culture, and creative economy elements, South Papua is trying to expand the introduction of destinations to the Indonesian people.
In the future, natural wealth that is still well maintained, authentic cultural traditions, and the creativity of local people are expected to be attractions that encourage more tourists to make South Papua one of the travel destinations in Indonesia.