New tribe found in Irian<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Local officials revealed they have found a
\nhidden tribe in the thick jungles of Irian Jaya.<\/p>\n
Paniai regency spokesperson Wirda Panai said in Jayapura
\nyesterday the tribe was found living in a small village in the
\nvicinity of the Homeo district in the central region of the
\nprovince.<\/p>\n
Wirda was quoted by Antara as saying that many of the words in
\nthe tribe's language resemble Japanese expressions. Wirda
\nbelieves the tribe could be descendants of Japanese soldiers
\nstationed in Irian Jaya during World War II.<\/p>\n
Numbering around 90 people, the tribe is very friendly.
\nTribespeople welcome their guests with a passionate hug as a form
\nof greeting.<\/p>\n
Apart from the distinctiveness of their language, the tribe's
\nattire is also unique in that it is made of bark.<\/p>\n
Wirda explained that the tribe was first discovered by a team
\nof surveyors from mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia in October.<\/p>\n
The seclusion of the tribe has been protected by the difficult
\nterrain of Irian Jaya. It takes at least 45 minutes by helicopter
\nfrom Nabire, the main city in Paniai, to the location of the
\ntribe.<\/p>\n
The news agency cited some samples of the tribe's expression
\nwhich Wirda said resembled to Japanese words. However, two
\nJapanese contacted by The Jakarta Post said they did not
\nunderstand any of it. (mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/new-tribe-found-in-irian-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}