Wamena, Papua Pegunungan — Papua Pegunungan is strengthening efforts to promote its cultural heritage, natural resources and creative economy through a series of cultural and tourism events held in Jayawijaya Regency.
The 34th Baliem Valley Cultural Festival (FBLB), Wamena Coffee Festival and Noken Street Fashion 2026 are being used as platforms to introduce the region’s cultural identity, local products and creative works to domestic and international audiences.
Assistant III for General Administration of the Papua Pegunungan Regional Secretariat, Lukas W. Kossay, said the three events reflect the Jayawijaya Regency Government’s efforts to develop the region’s cultural and natural potential.
“We would like to express our appreciation and recognition to the Jayawijaya Regency Government and the entire organizing committee who have worked hard to organize the 34th FBLB, Wamena Coffee Festival and Noken Street Fashion 2026, which are truly a source of pride,” he said at the opening of the 34th FBLB in Walesi Village, Walesi District, Jayawijaya Regency, on Friday.
This year’s FBLB carries the theme “From the Highlands of Papua to the World,” highlighting the potential of Papua’s highlands to reach a wider international audience through culture, agricultural products and creative industries.
Lukas said the theme carries an important message for the government and communities across Papua Pegunungan.
“This theme invites all of us to show the world that from the mountains of Papua emerge cultural wealth, quality coffee, works of art and the extraordinary spirit of the people. What we have is not only the pride of the Papuan people, but also the wealth of Indonesia that deserves to be known and appreciated by people around the world,” he said.
The festival also serves as a gathering point for communities, central and regional government representatives, as well as visitors to experience and appreciate the cultural identity of the Papua Pegunungan people.
The event was held in Walesi Village, bringing together traditional performances and cultural expressions that represent the region’s heritage.
“FBLB is the voice of our ancestors that is still alive today. Behind the dances, music, noken, honai, traditional mock battles and all the cultural wealth on display, there is a very deep message that the Papuan people are a people with dignity, history and a heritage that must be preserved together,” Lukas said.
Beyond cultural preservation, the festival has also become an important tourism attraction for Jayawijaya and Papua Pegunungan. The growing presence of international visitors demonstrates the potential of local culture to attract audiences from different parts of the world.
Lukas said he was proud that FBLB has developed into an annual event recognized not only nationally but also internationally.
“The presence of international tourists is proof that the culture we have here has very high value and is capable of bringing many people together,” he said.
He also welcomed visitors from overseas and expressed hope that their experience in Papua Pegunungan would extend beyond tourism memories.
“To all international tourists who have come from various countries, we would like to say welcome to this home or honai. Hopefully, when you return, what you take with you is not only photos and memories, but also respect and love for the people of Papua Pegunungan,” he said.
The 34th Baliem Valley Cultural Festival is being held for two days, from August 7 to 8, 2026, in Walesi Village, Walesi District, Jayawijaya Regency.
Meanwhile, the Wamena Coffee Festival and Noken Street Fashion 2026 are being held from August 7 to 10, 2026, at the grounds and in front of the Jayawijaya Regent’s Office.
The series of events highlights Papua Pegunungan’s potential not only as a destination for cultural tourism but also as a region with distinctive local products, traditional craftsmanship and creative industries capable of reaching wider national and international markets.
