That morning in Tiom was greeted not only by bright weather with white clouds, a blue sky, and the green expanse of mountains surrounding the capital of Tiom, but also the warm spirit of its people.
In the courtyard of the Lanny Jaya Regency DPRD Office, footsteps blended with the rhythmic sounds of the traditional Wisisi dance, adorned in traditional attire, the cheers of schoolchildren, and the smiles and laughter of the participants as everyone gathered in the grand event, the 4th Lanny Jaya Cultural Festival.
In the place often dubbed the “city above the clouds,” the Lanny Jaya Regent, Aletinus Yigibalom, opened the event with a message full of meaning. He not only welcomed the guests and participants but also conveyed the grand vision of making Lanny Jaya the center of tourism and culture in the Highland Papua.
“Such cultural festivals are very important to preserve and nurture our identity.” “We must not lose our identity as the people of Lanny Jaya,” he said with a firm yet warm tone.
This cultural festival is not just an annual routine. It has transformed into a stage for preserving traditions and a regional development strategy based on cultural roots with the creativity of the community in every village.
Of the eight districts in the Highland Papua, Lanny Jaya is the only one that consistently holds cultural festivals sustainably. This year marks the fourth time, and each year, the event continues to grow in scale and substance.
Bupati Yigibalom emphasized that cultural wealth is not just a spectacle, but the backbone of regional development.
“We want tourists to come not only to see nature but also to get to know our unique culture, language, and way of life,” he said.
One of the most special moments in this year’s festival was the official launch of the original Lanny Jaya Noken Batik, which combines modern aesthetics with local cultural values.
The design was born from a long process spanning a decade, with colours and motifs taken directly from nature and the life philosophy of the Lanny Tribe. There are white colours from wild taro, yellow from the Tenombeni and Lawi-lawi plants, and patterns inspired by the noken, the traditional woven bags of Papua that are rich in meaning.
“Today is a historic moment.” “This batik officially becomes our cultural identity,” said Mayor Aletinus, while mentioning that the batik will soon be handed over to the Governor of Highland Papua.
The main designer of this batik, Yotran Yigibalom, recounted the creative process he undertook with the community. Every line and colour has a story. Meanwhile, Daniel R. Kogoya, the graphic designer, hopes that this batik will not only be worn during ceremonies but also regularly used by civil servants as a form of cultural appreciation.
Preserving Heritage, Building the Future
Amid the lively festival, the Regent also voiced concerns about the loss of regional languages among the younger generation. He called on all regional device organizations (OPD), especially the Education Office, to take concrete steps immediately.
“Language is identity. If it is lost, then we lose our distinctiveness as the people of Lanny,” he emphasized.
He even encourages residents to be proud of using the local language in their daily lives at home, school, and traditional events. This call has become an important alarm amidst the relentless tide of globalization that often displaces local values.
The 4th Lanny Jaya Cultural Festival is not just a stage for dance and costumes. It is a reflection of the commitment of the government and the community to develop the region without leaving behind its roots.
From the launch of Noken Batik to the call for language preservation, from the spirit of tourism to the invitation to maintain stability, everything converges on one thing: cultural identity as the foundation of Lanny Jaya’s development.
Above the clouds of Tiom, that hope continues to resonate that one day, the public will know Lanny Jaya not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural richness, which is preserved wholeheartedly.
West Papua Now 