Jakarta -Tevri-tv.com
In commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, the Somatua Foundation, together with the community of Sowa Village, Kwatisore, Cenderawasih Bay, Central Papua Province, held a series of historic activities.
For the first time ever, the Indonesian Red and White Flag was raised in the Whale Shark area of Cenderawasih Bay”, as a symbol of national unity reaching the easternmost regions of Indonesia.
This activity was made possible through collaboration between the Somatua Foundation and the Sowa Village community, security forces, local government, the Cenderawasih Bay National Park Authority, diving communities, tourism operators, journalists, media, and private sector partners.
Activities carried out included:
- Traditional and cultural welcome by the Sowa Village community
- Interfaith prayer for peace and unity of the nation
- Flag-raising ceremonies: in Sowa Village and in the Whale Shark area of Cenderawasih Bay
- Singing of “Indonesia Raya” and traditional Papuan songs
- Educational programs for children: reading, writing, arithmetic, Indonesian and English language lessons
- Coastal and marine cleanup to support conservation of the protected area
- Promotion of tourism potential, local culture, and community livelihoods
Maximus Tipagau of stated:
“This is more than just an Independence Day celebration. It is clear proof that love for our homeland lives in every corner of the country, even in the middle of the ocean with the whale sharks. We want to introduce Central Papua to Indonesia and the world as an extraordinary marine tourism and cultural destination”.
Cenderawasih Bay is one of the largest marine conservation areas in Southeast Asia and home to the world’s largest population of whale sharks. Through this initiative, the Somatua Foundation hopes to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental conservation while opening opportunities for sustainable tourism in Central Papua.
It is hoped that media coverage of this event will draw the attention of the Indonesian public and international tourists to the potential of Central Papua, and encourage broader collaboration between government, communities, businesses, civil society, and the media.
Maximus Tipagau
PT Adventure Cartensz
Sowa Village, Kwatisore – Cenderawasih Bay, Central Papua Province. (Ine)
