The 14th Lake Sentani Festival (Festival Danau Sentani/FDS XIV) was officially opened at Kalkote Beach, East Sentani District, Jayapura Regency on Wednesday (19/7) with a lively Isosolo dance performance, which is the main theme in of this year’s festival. FDS is an event to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the indigenous Papuan people, especially the tribes living around Lake Sentani and improve the economy of indigenous Papuans (OAP) in Jayapura.
The isosolo, which was held after the opening ceremony of FDS XIV, attracted the attention of visitors, including local officials. They docked at the edge of Lake Sentani to get a closer look. The boat passengers danced while holding spears and swinging them in sync with the rhythm of the dance. Others play tifa and other traditional instruments while humming along with the dancers.
Assistant I of the Papua Provincial Government Yohanes Walilo officially opened the Lake Sentani Festival. This year’s theme is “Isosolo is Our Culture”. The festival will be held for five days at Kalkhote Beach on 19-23 June 2024. Walilo led by playing the tifa on the main stage to mark the start of FDS XIV. Various art attractions, dances, and songs also enlivened the opening of the festival.
“FDS is an event to promote, preserve and celebrate the original cultural heritage of Lake for the authenticity and sustainability of local culture,” Walilo said in his speech at the opening of FDS on Wednesday.
As in previous events, FDS 2024 also features arts and cultural performances, as well as an exhibition of Papuan handicrafts. In addition, various snacks are available in the form of cuisine made from local commodities.
According to Acting Regent of Jayapura, Triwarno, FDS brings several important dimensions to the harmony of life. These dimensions include the appreciation and deep love of the indigenous people of Lake Sentani for their culture.
“The harmony makes the community play an active role in [developing] culture, knowledge, and preserving nature. The collective participation is collaborated in FDS,” Triwarno said.
Jayapura Regency Tourism and Culture Office Head Ted Mokay said the annual cultural festival from Jayapura Regency will be pushed to be included again in the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) calendar by following the original schedule of FDS implementation on 19-23 June.
“Back to being a national, and international agenda. We hope the Tourism Ministry will put it back on the KEN agenda,” he said.
Ted explained the purpose of this year’s festival was to preserve the value of regional arts and culture, as well as strengthen national unity between tribes. “It will not only be local culture in this year’s festival, the association will also decorate the art stage. It will have an economic impact on the community,” he said.
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