Celebrating the 79th Indonesian Independence Day, the Southwest Papua Provincial Government held a carnival which was attended by students, private sector, government agencies and associations.
The carnival was officially opened by the Head of the Southwest Papua Education Office, Adolof Kambuaya and Kapoksahli Fleet III, First Admiral TNI, Ridwan, with a start from the Sorong Secondary Fishery Business School (SUPM) and finishing at the Southwest Papua Governor’s office, Monday (19/8/2024).
Various floats, regional clothing and knick-knacks for the Indonesian Independence Day were used by the carnival participants so as to attract the enthusiasm of the people who watched the carnival. 72 teams ranging members of the public to officials took part in the carnival. They wore traditional clothing from Papua and several other regions, performing songs and dances from various tribes as they travelled along the route. They were then greeted at the finish by the Acting Governor of Southwest Papua, Mohammad Musa’ad.
“We have seen great enthusiasm on the part of our people. From various elements, including government, private sector, and public who took part in large numbers,” the Acting Governor said.
According to the Acting Governor, the carnival was held so that people can get to know the different cultures of Southwest Papua better, which will enhance unity. He also hoped that the carnival can become an annual event.
“We have laid the foundation, the organisers have prepared a rotating trophy that can be won every year,” he added.
On that occasion, the Head of the Southwest Papua Education Office, Adolof Kambuaya, said that this was a series of activities prepared by the organisers in order to celebrate the 79th Indonesian Independence Day in Southwest Papua.
‘This is still part of the Indonesian Independence Day celebrations that we have prepared in addition to the flag ceremony on Doom Island,’ he said.
This carnival, he said, also preserves the culture of each tribe and ethnicity in Southwest Papua Province, because in this carnival many traditional clothes from their respective regions are displayed.
‘We want to showcase the culture of the various tribes and ethnicities that exist here, so we can carry out this carnival,’ he said.
West Papua Now 