In early October 2025, the coastal village of Kampung Kayo Batu, nestled along the stunning shores of Jayapura, transformed into a living gallery of Papua’s cultural soul. Festival Port Numbay 2025 emerged not just as a celebration of art, music, and tradition but as a powerful movement to rekindle local identity, engage youth, and strengthen the economic roots of a community long connected by sea, story, and ancestral land. With its theme “Merajut Budaya di Atas Pasir dan Laut” (Weaving Culture on the Sand and Sea), this year’s festival cast a wide net—capturing the heart of Jayapura and drawing visitors from across Papua and beyond.
For three vibrant days—October 9 to 11—Port Numbay became more than a name; it became a narrative. Through dance, ritual, crafts, and coastal tourism, the city and its people told their stories, passed down through generations and now reimagined for the future. The festival did more than entertain; it offered a window into how local communities can preserve cultural heritage while stepping boldly into new creative and economic possibilities.
Reviving Ancestral Rhythms: The Naita Ritual and Cultural Roots
The spirit of the festival was rooted deeply in tradition, beginning with a powerful ceremony that honored Papuan customs before the main event even began. Two days before the official opening, the people of Kampung Kayo Batu held the Naita ritual, an age-old tradition of collecting sea worms (laor) that emerge only once a year under the full moon. Under starlit skies, elders and youth stood ankle-deep in tidal waters, using handmade nets to harvest the laor—a practice that symbolizes harmony with nature and ancestral cycles.
Led by cultural figure Alex Pui, the ritual unfolded not as a spectacle for tourists but as a sacred act of cultural continuity. Chanting and community prayers echoed along the shore as participants offered gratitude to the sea. In doing so, the community reminded itself—and all who would attend the festival—that the heart of Port Numbay lies in its connection to land, ocean, and the traditions passed down through generations. This spiritual grounding gave the festival authenticity and depth that would ripple through every stage performance and artisan booth in the days ahead.
Opening Night: Energy, Leadership, and Cultural Commitment
As the sun dipped behind the horizon on October 9, the festival officially launched with a festive opening ceremony at Base-G Kiri, a scenic beach in Kayo Batu. Jayapura Deputy Mayor Rustan Saru, who officiated the event, took the opportunity to emphasize the dual mission of the festival: cultural preservation and economic empowerment. In front of a lively audience, he encouraged Papuan youth to embrace their identity, expressing hope that the festival would become a vehicle for self-expression and sustainable growth.
“Let us ensure that our culture does not vanish with time,” he said, addressing the crowd with passion. “Let this festival be a space for the youth to rediscover, love, and take pride in their heritage—while also driving our local economy forward.” His remarks underscored the city’s commitment to using culture not only as a bridge to the past but also as a foundation for the future.
The opening night set the tone for the entire event, blending traditional music, vibrant dance performances, storytelling, and a community spirit that lit up the beach long after the sun had set. From the rhythmic pounding of tifa drums to the sweet aromas of local food stalls, the festival immediately positioned itself as a gathering that was both deeply rooted and joyfully modern.
Art in Action: Cultural Showcases and Creative Expression
Throughout the festival, culture came alive in dozens of forms—each showcasing the diversity and richness of Papuan traditions. Dance troupes from various kampungs performed ceremonial dances, their movements evoking stories of migration, nature, and clan identity. Traditional music mixed with contemporary beats, as young artists reinterpreted ancient melodies through modern instruments and spoken word poetry.
One of the standout moments was the Pagelaran Budaya Nusantara, a cultural parade featuring 30 groups from Jayapura and surrounding regions. These performances drew enthusiastic crowds, not only for their visual spectacle but also for their deep emotional resonance. Visitors watched as elders narrated oral histories, while teenagers painted murals inspired by myths and natural landscapes.
Youth participation was central to the programming. In addition to performing, many young Papuans showcased digital art, handmade crafts, and fashion inspired by traditional motifs. The festival gave them a platform to celebrate their heritage in ways that spoke to both older and younger generations. It was not just about looking back—it was about carrying culture forward in ways that felt fresh, inclusive, and meaningful.
Cultural Commerce: How UMKM Powered the Festival’s Economy
While dance and music enchanted the senses, the heartbeat of economic opportunity pulsed through the rows of UMKM (micro, small, and medium enterprises) that lined the festival grounds. More than 30 local businesses set up stalls offering everything from traditional foods to handmade jewelry, wood carvings, textiles, and eco-friendly crafts. Visitors moved through the rows, sampling sago-based dishes, buying locally made sarongs, and chatting with artisans about their work.
The economic impact was remarkable. According to the festival organizers, the total circulation of funds during the event reached Rp 574.35 million. Of this, more than Rp 57 million came from direct UMKM sales, while the rest flowed from associated tourism services, such as guided tours, marine activities, and food and beverage sales. This infusion of cash into the local economy served as a powerful reminder of how cultural events can be leveraged to stimulate real, community-centered growth.
For many of these small business owners, the festival was more than a sales opportunity—it was a chance to build visibility and long-term relationships. Many reported increased demand for their products after the event, with some even securing wholesale or tourist partnerships. In a region where economic opportunities can be limited, particularly for Indigenous entrepreneurs, events like Port Numbay provide a vital platform for empowerment.
Kayo Batu: A Living Stage of Culture and Tourism
The decision to host the 2025 edition of Festival Port Numbay in Kampung Kayo Batu was both strategic and symbolic. Located on the coast, this kampung blends natural beauty with deep historical roots, making it an ideal location to showcase the interplay of culture and environment. Organizers designed the space to fully integrate with the landscape, using the beach, nearby forest, and sea as interactive components of the festival.
From paragliding demonstrations over the ocean to seafood cooking contests, the site was alive with activity that celebrated both nature and creativity. Tourism booths offered visitors curated cultural tours, while the Beisji Camping zone invited guests to sleep under the stars in traditional-style tents. The Tuaca Moho City Tour led groups through nearby kampungs, introducing them to everyday life, cultural landmarks, and ancestral stories told by local elders.
Kayo Batu became more than a backdrop—it was a participant in the festival’s narrative. Every grain of sand and sea breeze seemed to reinforce the message that culture, environment, and community are deeply entwined. In this way, the festival promoted sustainable tourism that respects both people and place.
Engaging the Next Generation: Youth, Identity, and Inclusion
Among the most powerful aspects of Festival Port Numbay 2025 was its strong focus on youth empowerment. Organizers deliberately designed programming that placed young Papuans at the center—not just as performers, but as creators, curators, and storytellers. This vision aligned with broader city initiatives, including policies that reserve 20% of employment opportunities in local enterprises for Orang Asli Port Numbay—the Indigenous people of the area.
Workshops, open mic nights, design competitions, and graffiti walls gave young people the tools and freedom to express their cultural identity in their own voice. Many of the songs performed during the evening concerts were written by Papuan youth, blending hip-hop and reggae with local dialects and traditional rhythms. Fashion shows featured student designers working with tribal patterns and recycled materials.
By creating space for youth to engage, learn, and lead, the festival did more than preserve culture—it activated it. For many young attendees, it was a rare moment to see their heritage celebrated at scale, giving them pride and purpose in a world where globalization often overshadows local voices.
Conclusion
As the festival came to a close on October 11, community members gathered for a final ceremony marked by song, gratitude, and renewed commitment. Deputy Mayor Rustan Saru and other city officials announced their intention to establish Festival Port Numbay as a permanent, annual event, potentially elevating it to a national-level cultural attraction. The success of the 2025 edition—both in attendance and economic impact—provided a strong foundation for this vision.
However, challenges remain. Sustaining the momentum year-round requires institutional support, funding, and community involvement. Organizers are already discussing how to expand capacity-building for local