The New Era of Papuan Culture

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This refers to the article titled “Era Baru Seni Budaya Papua", (Kompasiana, Jun. 3). http://sosbud.kompasiana.com/2014/06/03/era-baru-seni-budaya-papua-662622.html

Uniqueness of art and culture in Papua already famous to many countries. Many foreign tourists have been coming to see many cultural products as well as the lush natural beauty of Papua. For example, Hiroshi Yuasa, a tourist from Japan who I met in the Market Hamadi, Jayapura. He had just returned from Wamena. He came with his family and acquaintances. They did not worry over rumors out there that Papua was vulnerable, unsafe and so on, since they can walk around everywhere in Papua safely.

The provincialgovernmentof Papua have done many efforts to promote the art and culture of Papua to foreign. Among others, by sending teams to art and culture festivals in many countries.But to promote it in Indonesia, it seems so limited, that is only performed in luxurious hotels with a well-paid, in ASEAN conference, or a cultural parade at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII).

After 50 years of integration of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia, Papua Governor Lukas Enembe has made a new step. Arts and Culture of Papua should be known by Indonesian People. In May 2013 he brought hundreds people from their hometown inPapuan to Jakartato dance Yospan together with Jakarta residents in Bundaran HI.

Lukas did the same thing this year.He held an exhibitionin Silang Monas Jakarta. From May 23 until May 25, 2014 they showcased various art and cultural products, travel products, agriculture and mining. Also did a carnaval and performances of various songs and dancesso thatJakarta residents can enjoy it for free.

The New Era of Papua

The message in both momentum is that Papua has entered a new era. The era in which Papua is no longer close itself.Papua has opened to accept other cultures, but still in Papuan identity. An era wherePapuan people fact that they are part of the Indonesian nation.

Policy makers in Papua have made their art and culture as an entry point to bring Papua closer to Jakarta, although geographically Papua most distant from Monas. Their presence in Monas last month, as well as in Bundaran HI last year are to convey all of us, especially to the government: "Do not forget us in Papua”.

And Jokowi has responded it quickly. That distance is no longer an obstacle for Jakarta to build Papua more intense. If he is elected President later, he will build marine highway to all regions. He said, the concept of tolls sea, big ships loaded must depart daily to deliver goods from Sumatra to Papua. "Delivery logistics every dayeffectively," said Jokowi. (Tempo.co May 24, 2014).

This is the new way that we can emulate to ask for more attention to the central government when our region are less untouched of development. Not with the threat, not to protest until the bloody, not by rebellion or independence demands. But through the promotion of art and culture. Papua has taught us a new era of democracy, namely democracy through art and culture. [*]