Jayapura, Jubi – Papuan culture, in particular native languages, must be protected, said Elias Wonda, the Head of Papua Education and Cultural Office.
“Both provincial, regional and municipal governments should work together with the Tourism Office, cultural development centers and museums to protect the heritage culture in Papua,” Wonda told to reporters in Jayapura on Monday (6/4/2014).
He said some Papuan native languages could vanish unless action is taken to preserve them. Currently some local languages in certain regions have become extinct.
“Now we have approximately 275 native languages, but it’s only partially used by its users. Thus, we have to protect it from extinction for the future,” he said.
As part of the cultural preservation efforts, Wonda said the Papua Provincial Government would hold a national cultural exhibition at Taman Impian Jaya Ancol Jakarta. “It has been discussed. The Papua Cultural Development Center and Cultural Department will prepare the exhibition materials,” he explained.
Additionally, he said, currently the provincial, regional and municipal governments have agreed that people are wearing Batik Papua and using Noken (Papuan traditional bag) on Thursday. “It is part of government concern on the cultural preservation,” he said.
Earlier, the Provincial Second Assistant on Papua Economic and Welfare, Elia Loupatty said the richness of Papuan art and culture is the valuable regional and national asset in tourism development.
‘The richness of existing culture must be improved and preserved to strengthen the heterogeneity of Papuan ethnic existence which express the affection towards humanity through the strengthening of cultural character as part of life. It is becoming a moral with full of kindness, peace and harmony in every aspect of life,” Loupatty said. (Alexander Loen/rom)
