Asmat, Jubi – 153 traditional rowers showcased their boating skills during a boat exhibition event held on the Asuwets River in Agats, Asmat Regency, South Papua, on Sunday, October 8, 2023. This event featured a total of 27 boats.
The boat exhibition is part of the annual cultural celebration known as the Asmat Pokman Festival, which is in its 36th year this time. Alongside the boat exhibition, the festival includes exhibitions of carving and weaving, artistic and dance performances, carving auctions, and sago processing (sago pangkur).
Before their boat performance, the rowers conducted a traditional ritual at Yos Sudarso Field. During this ritual, they burned a new boat for about 30 minutes using dry leaves to make the boat lighter. After the burning process, the entire boat was coated with white and red lime. Leaves were then tied to the boat’s left and right sides, symbolizing its newness. This traditional ritual emphasizes the values of mutual cooperation and unity.
Following the completion of the ritual, rowers collectively carried the newly treated boat to the Asuwets River for the boat exhibition.
During the exhibition, the rowers executed various maneuvers that captivated the audience and the local community. The exhibition featured two formations: circular and parallel. The rowers stood while rowing, with each boat accommodating six rowers.
Asmat Regent Elisa Kambu and Assistant II of the South Papua Secretariat Sunarjo also participated in experiencing the thrilling boat maneuvers on the Asuwets River.
“Dancing, rowing, and carving are integral parts of our Asmat identity. We are committed to preserving our local wisdom, which includes traditional rowing, carving, and weaving,” Kambu expressed.
The 36th Asmat Pokman Festival in 2023 saw the participation of 567 artists, including 194 carvers, 53 weavers, 125 rowers, 75 traditional dancers, and 120 performance dancers. The festival took place at Yos Sudarso Field in Agats from October 7 to 11, 2023.
