Traditional War, one of some attraction in Baliem Valley Festival – Jubi/Islami
Wamena, Jubi – Forty sub-districts in Jayawijaya Regency are participating in the 27th Baliem Valley Festival that was officially launched on Monday (8/8/2016) at Welesi Sub-district, Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency.
Jayawijaya Regent Jhon Wempi Wetipo in his speech said the Baliem Valley Festival is Hubula tribe’s oldest festival and has its own uniqueness.
“Hubula tribe stands still with their culture, it becomes a unique attraction for the visitors from domestic or foreign countries,” he said.
He expected the festival to attract tourists to visit Wamena and closely observe the Hubula’s culture. Some attractions were performed in the festival, including war attraction, traditional dance, the grilled stone ceremony ‘bakar batu’ (Kir Talogo), and contest in making the traditional handycrafts, competition of kids games ‘Puladan’, ‘Sikoko’, archery contest and pig racing, which is followed by groups from forty sub-districts in Jayapura Regency.
Jerry, a photographer, admitted the Baliem Valley Festival has its own uniqueness, because its people are still attached with their culture that is hardly found in Papua. “It is the unique, original moment that we want to capture. I prefer to shoot the moment related to native culture, whether it is traditional costumes, accessories and the custom. Their uniqueness has attracted me and my friends,” he said.
Baliem Valley Festival would be held for three days from 8-11 August in Welesi Sub-district. Many professional photographers from local and international came to the festival to make the photographs. Thousands of visitors from different regions are still coming to Wamena during the festival. (*/rom)
