The newly appointed Acting Regent of Jayapura has a big vision to strengthen and elevate Papuan culture in the national and international arena. One of the efforts expected to support this vision is the preservation and promotion of the Isosolo Dance, a traditional dance that has deep cultural and historical value for the Papuan people.
Isosolo Dance is one of the traditional Papuan dances that is rich in cultural values. This dance comes from the Sentani tribe, who live around Lake Sentani, Jayapura Regency. Isosolo is a dance that is usually performed at traditional events, such as wedding ceremonies, welcoming important guests, and harvest celebrations. This dance is not only for entertainment but also as a means to convey moral messages and values of togetherness.
The movements In Isosolo Dance are very dynamic and rhythmic, reflecting the life of the Sentani people who are close to nature. Dancers, both male and female, wear beautiful and colorful traditional clothes and are equipped with traditional accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, and crowns made from bird of paradise feathers. The musical accompaniment to the dance is usually traditional instruments such as tifa and fu, which add to the rich sound of the performance.
On several occasions, the Jayapura Regent has expressed his hope that Isosolo Dance can become a cultural icon that can attract tourists and cultural researchers from around the world. According to him, by promoting Isosolo Dance, not only the art of dance will be elevated, but also the entire Papuan culture which is full of beauty and meaning.
The Pj Bupati also plans to integrate Isosolo Dance into various local government programs, including cultural festivals, tourism, and education. Thus, local people, especially the younger generation, will be more familiar with, love, and be proud of their own culture. In addition, the promotion of Isosolo Dance is also expected to open up new economic opportunities for local communities, through creative industries and cultural tourism.
To achieve these goals, the Jayapura Deputy Regent and his team have designed several comprehensive promotional strategies. First, they will hold an annual Isosolo Dance festival involving participation from various tribes in Papua, as well as inviting tourists and media from outside the region. The festival will serve as a platform to showcase the beauty and richness of Isosolo Dance, as well as an effective promotional medium.
Second, the local government will work with schools and educational institutions to teach Isosolo Dance to students. This program is expected to instill a sense of love and pride in Papuan culture from an early age. In addition, training for teachers and dance trainers will also be carried out so that they can teach Isosolo Dance properly and correctly.
Third, utilizing technology and social media to promote Isosolo Dance to the world. Videos of Isosolo Dance performances, documentaries on its history and meaning, and interesting stories from the dancers can be uploaded to digital platforms to reach a wider audience. This is an important step to ensure that Isosolo Dance is not only recognized in Papua but also internationally.
Isosolo Dance has great potential to become Papua’s cultural ambassador in the eyes of the world. With the right efforts and strategies, as planned by the Pj Bupati of Jayapura, Isosolo Dance can elevate Papuan culture, strengthen community identity, and open up new economic opportunities through the tourism sector and creative industries. Through the preservation and promotion of Isosolo Dance, we are not only preserving a valuable cultural heritage but also celebrating the beauty and diversity of Indonesian culture.