Jayapura Regency: FDS serves as momentum to explore cultural potential in villages
Sentani (ANTARA) - The Regent of Jayapura, Papua, Yunus Wonda, stated that the 15th Sentani Lake Festival (FDS) is not merely an entertainment event but a momentum to explore all cultural potential within each village and district in the region.
“FDS 2026 will feature much of the indigenous community’s culture, so we invite all members of the public to work together to advance our regional culture,” he said in Sentani on Sunday.
According to Wonda, he has requested the people of Jayapura Regency to continue preserving and maintaining the culture and identity of indigenous communities amidst the progress of modernisation.
“Modernisation is something that cannot be avoided, but the identity and selfhood of indigenous communities must be maintained,” he remarked.
He explained that the local government will not close the FDS venue once the series of events has concluded, ensuring that economic activities can continue to thrive.
“The facilities that have been built to support tourism activities will continue to be utilised by the community,” he added.
He further noted that the sustainable use of the site is part of the local government’s efforts to ensure that economic activities in Jayapura Regency continue to run smoothly.
“For that reason, we invite the community to maintain cleanliness and discipline at the FDS site so that it can become a source of shared pride,” he said.
The Jayapura Regency Government, Papua, is involving indigenous communities and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the implementation of the 2026 Sentani Lake Festival.
Various signature cultural attractions of Sentani will be showcased during FDS 2026, including the tradition of diving while smoking, traditional dances, and various cultural performances from the indigenous communities of Jayapura Regency.
As part of the event, free coffee tasting will be held as an effort to promote authentic Jayapura coffee to tourists.
The Sentani Lake Festival is scheduled to take place from 1st to 5th September 2026, with the series of activities commencing on 20th August 2026.