We will highlight Yapen's commodities, such as the typical Ambaidiru coffee that has been introduced in Milan, ItalyJayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Acting Governor of Papua Muhammad Ridwan Rumasukun stated that the Saireri Cultural Festival could become the foundation to designate Yapen Islands as one of the cultural tourism destinations in Papua.
As quoted from the Papua government's website, Saereri refers to the traditional region of indigenous tribes inhabiting the northern regions of Papua Province, namely Yapen Islands and the districts of Biak Numfor, Supiori, and Waropen.
"Hopefully, the cultural festival in Yapen Islands District will positively affect and promote the region's tourism sector, develop local economy, and help preserve the cultural heritage of Papua," the acting governor noted in a press release received in Jayapura on Thursday.
Rumasukun made the statement in his opening remarks for the 2023 Saireri Cultural Festival at the Trikora Square, Serui, Yapen Islands District, on Wednesday (October 18).
The cultural festival serves as part of the series of activities of the Sail Teluk Cenderawasih (STC) national event, scheduled to take place on November 1-7 this year in Biak Numfor, Papua Province.
The 2023 STC will feature a series of agendas, including fishery exports' promotional activities, an exhibition for MSMEs, entertainment sessions, local cultural arts attractions, and a yacht parade.
Rumasukun remarked that the Papua provincial government would promote Yapen Islands' featured commodities during the STC while expressing hope that the Saireri Cultural Festival would be preserved to attract foreign tourists.
"We will highlight Yapen's commodities, such as the typical Ambaidiru coffee that has been introduced in Milan, Italy. It is also necessary to promote seaweed scattered along Yapen's coasts to elevate the living standard of the people," he remarked.
He also drew attention to the barramundi fish that he believes deserves to be Yapen's new featured commodity.
The acting governor emphasized the need to optimize Yapen Islands District's commodities and boost their competitiveness to reach foreign markets and attract national as well as international tourists to come to the district.
Meanwhile, Acting Head of Yapen Islands District Welliam Manderi stated that the district government commended the Papua government for its care about Yapen and its people.
"We hope that the Saireri Cultural Festival will genuinely provide impacts to all the people," he stated.
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Translator: Ardiles L, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Sri Haryati
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