The 37th Asmat Pokman Festival, which takes place from 7 to 11 October 2024 in Asmat Regency, South Papua, is a cultural arts festival that showcases the originality of the Asmat Regency carvers. They showcase the uniqueness and strength of their culture through manual carving demonstrations, boat manoeuvres, and sago pangkur workshops.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno who attended the second day of the festival expressed appreciation for the organisation of the ‘37th Asmat Pokman Festival in 2024’ as the only flagship event from South Papua included in 110 Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2024 series of events.
“For the second time, the Asmat Pokman Festival is the only flagship event from South Papua included in KEN 2024. This achievement is thanks to innovation and quality that continues to be maintained,” said Minister Sandiaga.
The presence of Minister Sandiaga was welcomed enthusiastically by the community and foreign tourists who mostly came from Europe, especially France and Germany.
What is interesting about this festival is that the sales of carvings and wicker crafts is offered through an auction scheme to the public so that it becomes its own unique selling point. There were 487 participants in the Asmat Pokman festival, including 195 carvers, 72 weavers, 150 dancers, and 70 boat rowers.
The boat manoeuvre that is the attraction of the Asmat tribe’s traditional party also always attracts tourists’ attention. Where the rowers will stand while screeching and shouting, scattering white chalk from bamboo segments, rhythmically hitting the boat with an oar board and forming a formation in the middle of the grey river is an unforgettable experience for tourists.
In its 37th year, the Asmat Pokman Festival was expanded with a mangrove trip to encourage ecotourism and protection of the Asmat mangrove ecosystem. Then the Ministry talk show, Asmat body painting workshop, and dance and music performances.
Sandiaga said that his ministry will continue to fully support the development of the creative economy in Asmat Regency, South Papua, through marketing programmes to make it more widely known to the public. He also appreciated the consistency and collaboration of the Diocese of Agats and the Asmat Regency Government in organising the festival since 1981 has been an effort to preserve noble cultural values and encourage creative economic growth in the region.
“To all tourists, especially foreign tourists, don’t forget to support Asmat local craftsmen with cultural authenticity. Come here, don’t just be a group that only looks around. But be a group who buys Asmat creative products. Your support is very helpful in preserving our rich culture and contributing to the local economy,” said Sandiaga.
The Bishop of Agats, Asmat Regency, Monsignor Aloysius Murwito, OFM appreciated the support and presence of Miniter Sandiaga directly in the 37th Asmat Pokman Festival which brought joy and inspiration to the entire Asmat community.
“This is also a recognition from the central government. High appreciation from the central government for the talents that God has given to all of us. We hope that through this festival, we can not only admire the art but also increase the income and standard of living of the Asmat people,” said Bishop Monsignor.
West Papua Now 