Today, December 4, 2024, the world celebrates 12 years of UNESCO recognition of Papua’s Noken as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Noken Day is not just a tribute to a cultural object, but a moment to reaffirm the noble values contained in Noken as a symbol of tolerance, diversity, and sustainability.
This year’s commemoration theme, “Papuan Noken Society Returns to Local Wisdom,” calls for the importance of preserving this tradition amidst the challenges of modernity and globalization.
Noken: A Container of Life Rich in Meaning
Noken is a traditional bag unique to Papua that is used in daily life, from carrying goods to serving as a symbol of social status. Made with traditional techniques such as hand weaving, Noken reflects the harmony between humans and nature. The raw materials come from trees that grow in the tropical rainforests of Papua, which are increasingly threatened by deforestation and environmentally unfriendly development projects.
However, more than just a tool, Noken is a representation of the noble values of the nation’s culture, such as mutual cooperation, equality, and freedom of expression. In various traditional rituals, Noken becomes a symbolic medium that strengthens the identity of the Papuan community, while also demonstrating the connection between local traditions and universal values.
Cultural Advancement Through Noken
UNESCO’s recognition of Noken on December 4, 2012 is an important milestone in the effort to preserve Papuan culture. This award carries an important message that local culture does not belong to a single community but is also a global asset. In the framework of cultural advancement, Noken is based on the following principles:
- Tolerance and Diversity
Noken reflects the harmonious cultural diversity of Papua, as well as being a symbol of tolerance among tribes and communities.
- Local and Cross-Regional
As a local product, Noken also transcends regional boundaries, becoming a representation of Papuan culture at the national and global levels.
- Participatory and Cooperative
The tradition of making and using Noken actively involves the community, reflecting the spirit of cooperation and independence.
- Sustainability and Welfare
Through the preservation of Noken, communities can enhance economic welfare, for example, through the development of creative industries based on local culture.
Noken as the National Development Direction
Noken not only preserves cultural heritage but also serves as a foundation for developing the nation’s noble values. UNESCO Noken Day is a day for cultural advancement, with the aim of:
- Developing the noble values of the nation’s culture.
- Enriching cultural diversity and strengthening national identity.
- Enlightening the nation’s life through cultural education.
- Improving the people’s welfare and strengthening the nation’s unity.
- Influencing the direction of world civilization development, making culture the cornerstone of national development.
Call to Save the Land and People of Papua
In this commemoration, it is important to remind the government and the global community of their great responsibility towards the preservation of Noken. The natural ecosystem of Papua must be protected from global economic ambitions that could potentially destroy natural resources and the lives of the people.
Titus Pekei, the initiator behind Noken’s recognition by UNESCO, referred to this as a mystery from Ugatame (the Almighty Creator), a gift for the land of Papua and the world. However, this award demands concrete action:
- Preservation of tropical forests as a source of raw materials for Noken.
- Empowerment of Noken artisan mothers with better market access.
- Strengthening cultural education in families, schools, and communities.
- Hope for the Future of Noken
The 12th Noken Day is a moment to reflect on the significance of this tradition for Papua and the world. By utilizing Noken as part of modern life, such as in fashion or cultural tourism, the younger generation can make it relevant and sustainable. Digitalization also opens up opportunities to promote Noken globally.
Let’s make Noken a symbol of unity, diversity, and sustainability. With “Wear Noken, save Mother Earth Papua,” we together build a better future, not only for Papua but also for the world.
Bida! Happy 12th UNESCO Noken Day
West Papua Now 