'Koteka' not a sign of poverty in Irian

JAKARTA (JP): If you think Irian Jaya's Dani tribespeople who go around with nothing on but penis sheaths are poor, you are wrong.

Jayawijaya Regent J.B. Wenas said in Jayawijaya Thursday many Dani residing in the spectacular Baliem Valley are "millionaires" who are proud to wear the traditional sheath.

Koteka (penis sheaths) are not a sign of poverty as many people seem to think, the regent argued.

"Many Dani have millions of rupiah deposited at government- owned banks in Wamena city.

"Anyone who doesn't believe this can go to the banks and see people in koteka come and deposit their money," the regent was quoted by Antara as saying.

Wenas acknowledged that until a few years ago, the Dani people did not know how to manage money and they would stash their money in their homes.

"They are already smart enough to know that the red Rp 100 bank note is worthless here," he said.

According to Wenas, many of the Dani are so rich they own vans which they lease out to serve commercial inter-village routes in the area, which is very well-known among foreign nature lovers.

To protect indigenous tribespeople, the Jayawijaya government has reserved jobs such as pedicab drivers for local people.

The breakthrough policy has made a lot of Dani learn how to make money, such as running kiosks.

As for the koteka, the regent said the natives are proud to wear them and are unlikely to discard them. (pan)