PAPUA – Bernadeta Butu, Chairperson of the Papuan Noken Craftsmen Studio and Principal of Kaliharapan State Elementary School in Nabire, Central Papua, revealed the deep philosophy behind Noken, a traditional Papuan bag, at the Tanah Papua Noken Festival held on December 20-22, 2024 at Anjungan Sarinah, Jakarta. The event is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia and the Central Papua Provincial Government.
In an interview with the media crew, Bernadeta revealed the deep philosophy contained in the making of Noken. “We use local materials to make Noken because Noken is part of our identity, the Papuan people. It is a treasure that we have inherited since childhood, and we value it as a very precious item,” she said. For Bernadeta, Noken is not just an item, but a cultural heritage that must be guarded and preserved.
Noken, which is made from wood fiber or leaves, is handmade using fingers. This bag, which is often used to carry babies, goods, or firewood, has a deep meaning for the Papuan people. It is also used in festivals and is often given as a symbol of peace between tribes. Unfortunately, the number of Noken craftsmen is declining. Many young craftsmen are reluctant to continue this tradition, eroded by the rapid development of factory-made bags and cultural shifts.
Bernadeta, who is also a religious teacher at Kaliharapan Elementary School in Nabire, stated that Noken is an identity that cannot be separated from their lives. “Making Noken requires tremendous time and skill. We are proud of this long process, because Noken is not only about goods, but also about the philosophy of life,” She added.
Having started her journey as a teacher in 1987, Bernadeta began making Noken around 2012. Starting with a small group of mothers around Nabire, she invited them to learn together to make Noken. “I paid them with my salary, and together we started processing raw materials from the forest. I told them that one day, this Noken will be our pride,” Bernadeta recalls.
The process of making Noken does require precision and patience. In an exhibition held at the Tanah Papua Noken Festival, several types of Noken were on display, including the very popular Orchid motif. In addition, there are also Noken with ganemo motifs taken directly from the surrounding nature. “The raw materials of Noken are very unique. There are types of wood that are light and easy to carry, but not all materials can be used just like that. There are certain rules in choosing materials for Noken,” Bernadeta explained.
The Tanah Papua Noken Festival, supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia and the Central Papua Provincial Government, is an important stage for Noken artisans. Here, they not only introduce their products, but also voice the importance of preserving Papuan culture. With more and more attention to Noken, it is hoped that this tradition can continue to live and thrive, becoming a pride for the people of Papua and Indonesia as a whole.
