Jayapura (ANTARA) \u2013 Indonesia is known as a great nation not merely\ndue to its vast territory, but because it unifies hundreds of ethnic\ngroups, languages, and cultures under the identity of Bhineka Tunggal\nIka. The country stands on the diversity of 17,000 islands, numerous\nregional languages, and over 1,300 ethnic groups spread across the\narchipelago.<\/p>\n
Maintaining this unity is a collective effort that requires daily\nreinforcement. Integrity does not come automatically; it must be\nnurtured, and one of the most impactful ways is through art\nperformances.<\/p>\n
Art needs no interpreter; when Papua\u2019s Yospan dance graces the stage,\naudiences no longer see regional divides but instead witness harmonious\nbeauty.<\/p>\n
At art performances, differences become strengths. Music, dance, and\npoetry serve as a common language that connects people without erasing\ntheir identities, as the stage offers equal footing for all. Villagers,\nstudents, artists, and teachers unite under one narrative.<\/p>\n
Folktales, local histories, and social issues are conveyed through\nscripts and movement in art performances, imparting values such as\nmutual cooperation, tolerance, and respect without preachiness. For the\nyouth, this experience shapes a broader sense of identity.<\/p>\n
Cultural art performances can steer the youth towards productive\navenues, such as creative economic opportunities, while honing\ncreativity and innovation.<\/p>\n
In Papua, art and culture bridge diversity, nurture peace, and\nstrengthen inter-ethnic identity. The province hosts over 250 ethnic\ngroups and more than 300 regional languages, each with distinct dialects\nand customs.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of ethnic groups and languages in Papua are divided into\nseveral customary territories: Mamta or Tabi, Saireri, Meepago, Laapago\nHa Anim, Domberai, and Bomberai.<\/p>\n
The Mamta customary territory centres around Jayapura; Saireri covers\nthe northern coastal regions, Yapen Islands, Biak, and Waropen. Meepago\nencompasses the western central highlands, including Nabire, Paniai, and\nDogiyai. Laapago spans the eastern central highlands, such as Wamena and\nLanny Jaya.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Ha Anim covers southern regions like Mappi, Merauke, and\nAsmat. Domberai is in the western Bird\u2019s Head Peninsula of West Papua,\nwhile Bomberai includes the south-western coastal areas of Fakfak and\nKaimana. Amidst this diversity, art and culture serve as the strongest\nbridge to weave a collective \u2018we\u2019 identity as one Papua, one\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
Cultural festivals in Papua, such as the Baliem Valley Festival or\nSentani Lake Festival, serve as shared spaces. At these events,\ntraditional conflicts are presented not for hostility but to understand\nhistory.<\/p>\n
Papua Governor\u2019s Special Staff for Indigenous Community and Culture\nDevelopment, Mathias Mano, stated that art and culture hold strategic\nsignificance as ancestral heritage that builds character and fosters\nsocial harmony.<\/p>\n
Art performances are more than entertainment; they are a pivotal\nmoment to strengthen identity, unity, and commitment as part of the\nUnitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).<\/p>\n
Art performances must take centre stage in Papua\u2019s development as an\nannual agenda, as consistent promotion unites more youth in building the\nregion within the NKRI framework.<\/p>\n
Papua\u2019s youth must lead in safeguarding national values, avoiding\nnegative influences such as narcotics, violence, and radicalism, while\nactively contributing to regional development.<\/p>\n
The Papua Provincial Government believes that if all youth in\nCenderawasih Land unite, act, and create, Papua will become a\nprogressive, peaceful, and prosperous region.<\/p>\n
Cultural art performances are crucial for fostering positive thinking\namong Papua\u2019s youth to build a better region in the future.<\/p>\n
First Deputy Chairman of the Papua People\u2019s Assembly (MRP) and\nChairman of the Papua Regional Chapter of the Red and White Front (BMP)\nRI, Max Ohee, continues to engage youth in embracing their identity and\nlocal culture through activities, including Papua\u2019s cultural art\nperformances themed \u2018Youth Solidarity for Strengthening NKRI\u2019.<\/p>\n
The event aims to assist local governments in encouraging youth\norganisations, communities, and studios to revive the spirit of\npreserving local culture, as it is an identity that must be safeguarded\nand sustained.<\/p>\n
This year, the cultural art performances coincide with Papua\u2019s return\nto the NKRI on 1 May. The event, involving 19 studios, is held at Expo\nWaena in Heram District to demonstrate that Papua\u2019s cultural identity\nenriches Indonesia\u2019s national character.<\/p>\n
As an integral part of the NKRI, Papua plays a strategic role in\nsafeguarding national sovereignty. With its significant land area and\nabundant natural resources, Papua is a crucial pillar in building\nIndonesia\u2019s unity and cohesion.<\/p>\n
Since Papua\u2019s integration into the NKRI in 1969 through the Act of\nFree Choice (Pepera), the region has consistently played a vital role in\nstrengthening national integrity.<\/p>\n
Situated as Indonesia\u2019s easternmost province, Papua holds strategic\nimportance in defending NKRI sovereignty. It serves as Indonesia\u2019s\ngateway to the Pacific region, with potential economic and geopolitical\ninfluence. Its strategic location makes Papua pivotal in safeguarding\nIndonesia\u2019s territorial integrity against external and internal\nthreats.<\/p>\n
Conversely, the presence of the Indonesian National Armed Forces\n(TNI) and National Police (Polri) in Papua underscores its critical role\nin preserving NKRI unity. Their duties extend beyond ensuring security\nand stability to supporting development and maintaining public\norder.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/strengthening-nkri-through-art-performances-1780115304", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }