Thelandofpapua.com – The Festival Port Numbay, an event aimed at showcasing the cultural richness and tourism potential of the villages in Jayapura City, commenced on Friday, April 26, 2024. Held in Kampung Yoka and Kampung Waena of the Heram District, the festival spans from April 26 to 28, 2024, featuring various activities and venues.
Matias Mano, the Head of Jayapura City Tourism Office, highlighted the significance of the festival, stating that it serves as an avenue to document and promote potential events throughout the city. According to Mano, Jayapura City is set to host approximately 51 events from January to December 2024, with an average of two to three events per month.
Among the plethora of festivals scheduled for the year, Mano emphasized five standout events, including the recently concluded Irian Creative Week and the ongoing Festival Port Numbay. He elaborated that the Festival Port Numbay, themed “From Village to Village,” aims to explore new tourist spots and unearth the cultural and culinary treasures of the villages.
“Yoka Village is the 4th village we have visited. Previously, there were predecessors but the theme was not yet Festival Port Numbay,” explained Mano, underlining the festival’s commitment to village exploration.
The objectives of the Festival Port Numbay align with community engagement and empowerment. Mano emphasized the involvement of local performers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Yoka and Waena villages, highlighting the collaboration with external artists to enrich the festival’s atmosphere.
David Mebri, the Ondoafi of Yoka Village, expressed gratitude to the indigenous community for their five months of preparation and welcomed the festival with open arms. He acknowledged the support of the village elders from Yoka and Waena in embracing the event.
During the festival’s opening ceremony, children from Yoka and Waena villages showcased traditional dances, symbolizing the enduring presence of Heram culture within Jayapura City. Mebri urged the youth to preserve Jayapura City’s heritage for future generations through their participation in cultural activities.
The Festival Port Numbay not only celebrates the cultural diversity of Jayapura’s villages but also serves as a platform for sustainable tourism development and community empowerment, fostering a deeper appreciation for the city’s cultural heritage.
