Gibran pushes development of Asmat museum as cultural showcase

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged continued efforts to develop the Asmat Museum of Culture and Progress as a platform to preserve and safeguard Asmat culture to highlight Papua's cultural strength.

He delivered the directive during a visit to the museum in Asmat District, South Papua, on Sunday (June 21), where he toured rooms and observed sculptures displayed as cultural heritage of the Asmat tribe, according to a statement received in Jakarta.

Museum director John Ohoiwirin noted that Gibran showed strong enthusiasm during the tour. He said the vice president took time to write down his message and impressions before exploring the facility further to gain insights into the artistic collections exhibited.

"While touring the museum rooms, he displayed great fondness for Asmat arts. He asked many things about our collections," Ohoiwirin remarked.

He added that Gibran’s enthusiasm was especially evident while listening to explanations about the philosophy and cultural values embodied in Asmat sculptures.

"Mr. Vice President issued a directive for us to continue developing this museum. I explained in my presentation earlier that this museum is envisioned as a means of Papuan cultural diplomacy," he stated.

Ohoiwirin further emphasized that the museum is among the oldest in Papua and highlighted his team’s commitment to developing it into a center for cultural preservation, education, and promotion to endear Asmat culture to local communities.

"We intend our development efforts not only to encourage Asmat people to preserve their culture but also to treasure it as a source of power and pride for them," the director concluded.

Gibran’s visit to the Asmat museum aligned with President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction to integrate cultural preservation into national development and promote Papua as one of Indonesia’s cultural centers.

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Translator: Maria Cicilia, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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