The Apuse dance is highly significant and beneficial in preserving the culture and traditions of the Papuan people. As quoted from the Musical Arts Teacher’s Handbook on the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology website, the Apuse Dance is one of the Papuan cultural heritages that is rich in meaning and has various benefits for togetherness and culture in the region.
This dance is usually accompanied by the Apuse song which tells the farewell of a grandson who will go overseas, leaving his grandfather. The benefits of Apuse dance have a positive impact on Papuan society and culture, some of which are:
1. Preserving Local Culture
The benefits of Apuse dance contribute to the preservation of a rich local culture. By performing this dance in various events, people can recognise and understand more about the traditions that have existed for hundreds of years.
Through its distinctive movements, costumes, and music, Apuse dance becomes an effective medium to teach cultural values to the next generation.
2. Strengthening Cultural Identity
The benefits of Apuse dance help Papuans strengthen their cultural identity. This dance reflects the local wisdom and philosophy of life of the Papuan people who are in harmony with nature and spirituality.
In every movement, there is symbolism that invites the audience to reflect on the meaning of life and their relationship with the surrounding environment.
3. As a Tourist Attraction
The benefits of Apuse dance as a tourism attraction are also very significant. These dance performances are often performed at various festivals and cultural events, attracting tourists to come and enjoy the beauty of art in Papua. Thus, the dance plays a role in improving the local economy through the tourism sector.
4. Providing Moral and Spiritual Education
The benefits of Apuse dance contain important moral and spiritual values. In every performance, there are messages about balance, gratitude, and respect for nature. Through this dance, people are taught to maintain a good relationship with the environment and others.
5. Respect for Nature
The Apuse dance often depicts the relationship between the Papuan people and the surrounding nature. Through its movements and music, this dance teaches the importance of maintaining and preserving the environment, as well as appreciating existing natural resources.
6. Creative Economic Empowerment
Activities related to Apuse dance, such as costumes and musical instruments, can empower local craftsmen. With the increased demand for dance performances, this also contributes to economic growth in the area. Overall, the benefits of Apuse dance are not only as a form of artistic expression, but also have far-reaching positive impacts on the togetherness and culture of the Papuan people.
Through the preservation and development of this dance, the community can continue to celebrate and strengthen their cultural heritage.
West Papua Now 