SOUTH PAPUA – The former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy 2020-2023 appreciated the presence of the “37th Pokman Asmat Festival in 2024” as the only flagship event from South Papua that was included in 110 Kharisma Event Nusantara 2024.
The former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy 2020-2023 was smeared with sago which marked the acceptance and recognition of being part of the Asmat people when he arrived in Asmat Regency, South Papua.
The former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy 2020-2023 in his remarks on the second day of the 2024 Asmat Pokman Festival at Yos Sudarso Field, Agats, Asmat Regency, South Papua, appreciated the Diocese of Agats, the Asmat Regency Government, and all parties who support the development of parekraf in South Papua through the presence of quality events, “For the second time the Asmat Pokman Festival is the only leading event from South Papua to enter the 2024 National Event Charisma and this achievement is thanks to innovation and quality that continues to be maintained,” said the Former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy 2020-2023.
The presence of the former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy 2020-2023 was welcomed enthusiastically by the community and foreign tourists who mostly came from Europe, especially France and Germany.
The Asmat Pokman Festival is a cultural arts festival that showcases the originality of the Asmat Regency carvers and where they display their uniqueness and cultural strength through:
- Manual carving demonstrations,
- Boat maneuvers,
- Sago pangkur workshop.
More interesting than this festival is the sale of carving and weaving products offered through an auction scheme to the public, making it a unique selling point.
The boat maneuvers that are the attractions of the Asmat tribe’s traditional party also always attract the attention of tourists and where the rowers will:
- Stand up while hugging and chanting,
- Scatter white chalk from bamboo segments,
- rhythmically hitting the boat with the paddle board and forming a formation in the middle of the gray river becomes an unforgettable experience for tourists.
In its 37th year, the Asmat Pokman Festival was expanded with a mangrove trip to encourage ecotourism and protection of Asmat’s mangrove ecosystem and later,
- Parekraf talk show,
- Asmat body painting workshop,
- Dance and music performances.
The former Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy 2020 – 2023 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. Don’t just be a ‘rohali’ group who only looks around, but become a ‘rojali’ group who snacks and buys Asmat creative products, and your support really helps preserve our rich culture and contribute to the local economy,” said the Former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy 2020 – 2023.
The Bishop of Agats, Asmat Regency, Monsignor Aloysius Murwito, OFM appreciated the support and presence of the Former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy 2020 – 2023 directly in the 37th Asmat Pokman Festival which brought joy and inspiration to the entire Asmat community, “This is also a recognition from the Central Government and a high appreciation from the Central Government for the talents given by God to all of us and we hope that through this festival not only admire the results of art but also can increase the income and standard of living of the Asmat people,” said Bishop Monsignor.
