Jayapura, Jubi – Traditional dances from across Papua took centre stage at the opening of Kilas Budaya Papua 2026 (Papua Cultural Showcase 2026) at the Papua Cultural Park in Jayapura on Tuesday.
The three-day event, running from July 14 to 16, features performances by dance studios and cultural groups from across the region, showcasing not only traditional entertainment but also the histories, customs and ancestral traditions that continue to shape Indigenous communities in Papua.
Alfred Drunyi, head of the Youtefa Dance Studio, said his group performed a dance titled “The Death of Taban Nimrod,” inspired by Enggros-Tobati folklore from Jayapura.
The dance tells the story of King Mer, who had 11 sons and a daughter named Safu.
The conflict begins when the king’s eldest son, Yase, marries his own sister, triggering a dispute that forces him to leave his family and relinquish his claim to the throne.
“As a result of that incident, Yase had to leave his family and give up his right to succeed the throne,” Alfred said.
According to Alfred, Yase later settled in Nus Mont before establishing what eventually became Injros Village.
Through the performance, the troupe hopes to convey the importance of family ties, unity and harmony within the community.
Meanwhile, Jhon Ramandey, head of the Rafaiby Dance Studio from Riseisayati Village in Waropen Regency, said his group’s performance depicted the traditional welcome given to a villager returning home after living away.
The dance portrays the community’s joy at welcoming one of its members back.
“During the customary ceremony, villagers sing a welcome song before inviting the returning person to step onto a plate, symbolising that they remain part of the Indigenous community,” Jhon said.
The ceremony continues with the presentation of a traditional beaded necklace and ceremonial crown as symbols of honour and acceptance back into the community.
The performance involved 20 dancers from Riseisayati Village in Waropen, an area known as the “Land of a Thousand Mangroves.”
Matias Alle, representing the Bauzi people from Mamberamo Raya Regency, said the festival provided an opportunity to introduce Bauzi culture to a wider audience.
“This is the first time the Bauzi community has had the opportunity to present our culture at a provincial cultural event,” he said.
He explained that the bamboo flute is one of the most important symbols in Bauzi tradition and is used in customary ceremonies to honour ancestors.
The group’s performance also depicted different aspects of Bauzi life, including welcoming guests, celebrating hunters returning with their catch, and traditional ceremonies marking the peaceful resolution of intertribal conflicts.
Two children leading the performance symbolised the passing of cultural traditions from one generation to the next.
A total of 25 performers took part in the presentation, reflecting the Bauzi community’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity.
“We hope Kilas Budaya Papua becomes a platform to introduce Papua’s rich cultural traditions while encouraging people to preserve them as part of our identity,” Matias said. (*)
