DOGIYAI – The Dogiyai Regency Government, through its Department of Tourism and Culture (Disparbud), is intensifying efforts to preserve the region’s cultural heritage by proposing several historic buildings and cultural sites for designation as protected cultural heritage.
As part of the process, the Dogiyai Department of Tourism and Culture, together with a team from the Central Papua Provincial Government, conducted a field survey during the first week of May 2026 to collect data and verify sites with significant historical, cultural, and social value.
Head of the Culture Division of the Dogiyai Department of Tourism and Culture, Natan N. Tebai, stated that three historic buildings have been proposed for cultural heritage status: the P5 Moanemani Coffee Building, Santa Maria Immaculata Catholic Church, and Timepa Catholic Church.
According to Tebai, these three historic structures represent an important part of Dogiyai Regency’s history and possess cultural values that deserve to be protected and preserved for future generations.
In addition to the historic buildings, the local government has also proposed several cultural sites, including Mauwa Site, Idakebo Site, Auki Modio Site, and Lake Makamo. Meanwhile, the Kamuu Green Valley and the Mapia–Piyaiye area have also been proposed as cultural zones to strengthen the region’s cultural identity.
Tebai explained that the initiative is part of a long-term strategy to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Mee Tribe, which represents the primary cultural identity of the people of Dogiyai. He expressed hope that the cultural heritage designation process would be completed this year, providing legal protection for the region’s valuable cultural assets.
He further noted that Dogiyai has significant potential to become a center for the preservation and development of Mee culture. The region’s rich history, traditions, and local wisdom are considered valuable foundations for shaping a community rooted in its cultural heritage.
The Dogiyai Regency Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to making the cultural sector one of its key development priorities. In addition to safeguarding ancestral heritage, the initiative is expected to promote sustainable cultural tourism while creating new economic opportunities and improving the welfare of local communities.
