Under the bright lights of the Putri Pariwisata Nusantara Indonesia 2025 stage, a wave of pride swept through the hearts of Papuans. It wasn’t just a beauty pageant or a cultural competition—it was a moment when the highlands of Papua stood tall before the nation. Two young representatives, Febriana Alinita Seo and Luis Mandala Mabel, emerged as shining symbols of talent, culture, and identity from the newly established province of Papua Pegunungan.
For the people of Jayawijaya, their journey was more than a competition. It was a story of self-belief, community pride, and the promise of a generation determined to show Indonesia that the Papuan highlands have beauty, intelligence, and creativity worth celebrating.
A Journey from the Highlands to the National Stage
Born and raised amid the misty valleys of Wamena, Febriana Alinita Seo grew up surrounded by the warmth of family, tradition, and stories of her ancestors. From a young age, she dreamed not just of personal success but of representing Papua in a positive light. When she was selected to represent Papua Pegunungan at the national Putri Pariwisata Nusantara Indonesia 2025 event, she carried not only her own aspirations but also the hopes of her entire province.
Beside her stood Luis Mandala Mabel, a charismatic young man known for his confidence and deep knowledge of Papuan culture. Together, they represented not only themselves but the collective spirit of the highlands—a region often overlooked in national conversations, yet rich with heritage and natural wonders.
Their participation marked a historic moment: the first time representatives from Papua Pegunungan joined the national tourism ambassador competition. This achievement alone was enough to stir excitement and pride across the province.
Celebrated by Their People
The warm support that followed Febriana and Luis’s journey revealed how deeply the people of Jayawijaya cherished this moment. Local leaders, including Jayawijaya Regent’s wife, Idawati Murip Waromi, extended full encouragement to the two delegates. Idawati emphasized that the government was proud to back the pair’s mission, seeing it as part of a broader movement to promote Papua Pegunungan’s cultural tourism and empower its youth.
“We want the younger generation of Papua Pegunungan to believe that they can compete nationally, even internationally,” Idawati said, as quoted by Lintas Papua and RRI Papua. “Through events like this, we can show that our region has beauty, hospitality, and values that enrich Indonesia’s cultural diversity.”
When the results were announced, the province erupted in celebration. Febriana’s name echoed through the valleys as she achieved remarkable recognition, while Luis Mandala Mabel stood proudly beside her as a symbol of Papuan masculinity rooted in grace and intellect. Upon their return to Jayawijaya, the community welcomed them with traditional dances, songs, and colorful noken decorations. It was a celebration not just of victory but of identity.
Beyond Beauty: The Voice of Cultural Ambassadors
What set Febriana and Luis apart from many contestants was their profound understanding of Papua’s cultural diplomacy. They didn’t just perform—they educated. In her presentations, Febriana spoke passionately about Papua Pegunungan’s natural treasures—from the majestic Baliem Valley to the cultural artistry of Wamena’s weavers and carvers. She highlighted how sustainable tourism could become a new pathway for the highlands’ economic growth, creating jobs and preserving traditions at once.
Luis, on the other hand, focused on the importance of character, education, and cultural pride among young Papuans. His eloquence and charisma resonated with the judges, demonstrating that Papuan youth are not merely participants but thought leaders in Indonesia’s cultural landscape.
Their participation became a platform to reintroduce the Papuan narrative—not as a region defined by isolation or conflict, but as a heart of creativity and resilience.
The Spirit of Jayawijaya: Tradition Meets Modernity
Jayawijaya, the beating heart of Papua Pegunungan, is a land of mountains, mist, and stories. Its people have long maintained traditions that reflect harmony with nature and respect for heritage. Yet, as Indonesia modernizes, these traditions face the risk of being overshadowed. That’s why initiatives like Putri Pariwisata Nusantara hold special meaning.
Febriana’s appearance in traditional attire—proudly showcasing Wamena’s handmade batik and accessories—became a symbol of how tradition can meet modern aesthetics. Every step she took on the stage was not merely a display of beauty but a statement: that Papuan women can be both modern and deeply connected to their roots.
In interviews, she often mentioned how she wanted to “bring the highlands to the spotlight,” encouraging visitors to explore Papua not only for its scenic beauty but also for its cultural depth. Her campaign focused on ecotourism and cultural education, aligning perfectly with Indonesia’s current vision of sustainable tourism.
A Symbol of Change and Hope for Papua’s Youth
Papua Pegunungan is among Indonesia’s youngest provinces, established as part of a government initiative to accelerate regional development. While infrastructure and education remain ongoing challenges, the success of young figures like Febriana and Luis reflects a turning point. They represent a generation ready to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.
In interviews with RRI Papua and Lintas Papua, Febriana stated that she hopes her achievement inspires other Papuan girls to dream big. “We have so much potential in our land—in culture, in nature, in art,” she said. “I want to show that Papuan women can lead and inspire others through creativity and confidence.”
Luis echoed a similar sentiment. “As youth, we must use every opportunity to learn and share who we are. Papua’s stories deserve to be heard everywhere in Indonesia.”
Their achievements have also spurred enthusiasm among local educators and tourism officials, who now plan to organize more regional training for cultural and tourism ambassadors. The goal is to prepare a pipeline of young leaders who can continue representing Papua at national and international levels.
A New Chapter for Papua’s Cultural Identity
The story of Febriana and Luis is not an isolated success—it is part of a growing movement across Papua. More schools and communities are now promoting cultural education and creative tourism as tools for empowerment. From traditional dance workshops to digital storytelling programs, the seeds of transformation are being planted.
In Wamena, for example, several schools have started integrating local culture studies into extracurricular activities, helping students rediscover the value of their heritage. Teachers and parents have also noted that events like Putri Pariwisata Nusantara help counter negative stereotypes and build confidence among Papuan youth.
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has praised the inclusion of Papuan representatives, noting that diversity is Indonesia’s strength. “The participation of Papua Pegunungan shows how far our cultural representation has come,” one official said. “It reminds us that Indonesia’s beauty lies in its many voices—and Papua’s is among the most inspiring.”
Conclusion
From the misty peaks of Jayawijaya to the glittering stage of a national competition, the journey of Febriana Alinita Seo and Luis Mandala Mabel tells a story that transcends crowns and trophies. It is a story about visibility, pride, and purpose—about a generation determined to show that the Papuan highlands are not at the periphery of Indonesia’s story but at its heart.
Their success has reignited enthusiasm for youth empowerment, education, and tourism across Papua Pegunungan. More importantly, it has inspired a sense of unity and confidence that will echo through the valleys for years to come.
In their triumph, the people of Papua see not only two ambassadors of tourism but also two torchbearers of identity—proving that from the highlands of the east, Indonesia’s cultural future continues to rise.
