Raja Ampat promotes culture with festival, handicraft exhibition

The sun sets at Waigeo Island in Raja Ampat, West Papua. (JP/Seto Wardhana)

Raja Ampat in West Papua is known as one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. But the place also has interesting culture to offer, hence it hosts a string of attractive festivals.
The latest one is Suling Tambur Festival and Traditional Handicrafts Exhibition that run from July 28 to 30 at Waisai Torang Cinta Beach and was officially opened by West Papua governor Dominggus Mandacan.

Throughout the festival, visitors are invited to join underwater activities, such as snorkeling and diving. It also features shows like suling tambur music parade, suling tambur traditional music competition and the best marching band majorette and best costume competitions.

The handicrafts exhibition is expected to boost local economy. “These handicraft products made by the locals can be purchased and brought home as a special gift from Raja Ampat,” said Raja Ampat Tourism Agency head Yusdi Lamatenggo.

Yusdi said 24 districts in Raja Ampat were invited to take part in the festival.
The festival and exhibition marked the first time these kind of events are being held in Raja Ampat and the administration is planning to make them an annual event. (JakartaPost)