Kembali Masuk KEN 2024, Festival Asmat Pokman Ke-37 Jadi Event Unggulan Papua Selatan

Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno dipolesi sago which marks acceptance and recognition to be part of the Asmat Tribe community (Doc. Kemenparekraf)

JAKARTA - The 37th Asmat Pokman Festival in 2024 is the only flagship event from South Papua that is included in the 110 Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2024.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Menparekraf/Kaparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno appreciated the holding of the 2024 Pokman Asmat Festival which was held at Yos Sudarso Field, Agats, Asmat Regency, South Papua, Tuesday (8/10/2024),

"For the second time, the Asmat Pokman Festival is the only flagship event from South Papua that has entered KEN 2024. This achievement is thanks to the innovation and quality that continues to be maintained," said Menparekraf Sandiaga in an official statement received by VOI.

The presence of Menparekraf Sandiaga was greeted with enthusiasm by the public and foreign tourists, most of whom came from Europe, especially France and Germany.

Arriving in Asmat Regency, Menparekraf Sandiaga was smeared with sago on the face which marked the acceptance and recognition to become part of the Asmat Tribe community.

The Asmat Pokman Festival which will take place from 7 to 11 October 2024 is a cultural arts festival featuring originality from Asmat Regency art actors. Where they display uniqueness and cultural power through demonstrations to carve out manuals, boat maneuvers, and sago lapur workshops.

Interestingly, this festival is that the sale of the carving and woven craftsmen is offered through an auction scheme to the public so that it becomes an unique selling point in itself.

Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno (Doc. Kemenparekraf)

Boat maneuvers that are attractors of traditional Asmat parties also always attract the attention of tourists. Where the rowers will stand on their backs and leaves, wasting white lime from the bamboo section, in the rhythm of hitting the boat with rowing boards and forming formations in the middle of the gray river is an unforgettable experience for tourists.

Consistency and collaboration from the Asgats Diocese and the Asmat Regency Government over the holding of the Asmat Pokman Festival since 1981 has become an effort to preserve cultural noble values and encourage creative economic growth in the region.

In the 37th event, the Asmat Pokman Festival was expanded by the mangrove trip to encourage Asmat's mangrove ecosystem ecotourism and protection. Then talk show parekraf, body painting workshop Asmat, as well as dance and music performances.

Sandiaga said the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will continue to fully support the development of the creative economy in Asmat Regency, South Papua, through marketing programs to be better known to the wider community.

'To all tourists, especially foreign tourists, don't forget to support Asmat local craftsmen with cultural authenticity. Come here, don't just be a 'rohali' group that only looks around. But become a 'rojali' group that snacks and buys Asmat creative products. Your support really helps preserve our rich culture and contribute to the local economy," said Menparekraf Sandiaga.

Bishop of Agats, Asmat Regency, Monsinyur Aloysius Murwito, OFM appreciated the support and presence of Menparekraf Sandiaga directly at the 37th Asmat Pokman Festival which brought joy and inspiration to the entire Asmat community.

"This is also an acknowledgment from the central government. A high appreciation from the central government for the talents that God has given us all. We hope that through this festival we will not only admire the work of art but can also increase the income and standard of life of the Asmat people," said Bishop Monsinyur.