JAYAPURA – Papua Governor Matius Derek Fakhiri said the 15th Lake Sentani Festival (FDS XV) 2026 should not merely serve as a showcase for traditional arts and culture, but also become a platform for strengthening brotherhood and promoting progress and public welfare in Papua.
Fakhiri made the statement while opening the pre-event series of the 15th Lake Sentani Festival in Jayapura Regency on Tuesday (Aug. 25).
The 2026 FDS carries the theme “My Culture Is My Life.” According to Fakhiri, the theme highlights the importance of culture as an integral part of the identity and character of Papuan communities that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.
“Culture is not merely a legacy from the past, but an identity and character that must continue to live, develop and be passed on to the next generation,” Fakhiri said.
He said the Lake Sentani Festival has served as an important platform for showcasing Papua’s rich artistic traditions, cultural heritage and local wisdom. Therefore, the festival should continue to be developed so that it can provide broader benefits for the community.
Fakhiri expressed hope that FDS XV would become a space that brings together people from different backgrounds in a spirit of togetherness, brotherhood and diversity.
He emphasized that Papua’s cultural, religious and community diversity should be viewed as a strength that must be preserved to strengthen unity and create a harmonious social environment.
“Through the involvement of all elements of society, our diversity must become a strength to build unity in Papua,” he said.
Beyond its cultural significance, Fakhiri said FDS also has considerable potential to stimulate the local economy through tourism and the creative economy.
The government, he said, would continue encouraging cultural events such as FDS to create opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local businesses to promote and develop their products.
The festival is also expected to serve as an opportunity to raise public awareness about environmental conservation, particularly around Lake Sentani, which plays an important role in the lives of local communities.
“The festival should not merely be an annual event, but should become a collective movement to preserve culture and the environment while improving community welfare,” he said.
Fakhiri added that the success of FDS XV would require the support and participation of all elements of society. Through collaboration, the festival is expected to strengthen Papua’s cultural identity while contributing to efforts to build a more advanced and prosperous Papua.
With the theme “My Culture Is My Life,” FDS XV is expected to symbolize the continued vitality and development of Papuan culture while serving as a force for strengthening brotherhood, economic growth and Papua’s future.
