Wamena, Jubi – According to the Indonesian Tourist Association (HPI), approximately 100 tourists, both from foreign and domestic origins, have been confirmed to participate in the upcoming Baliem Valley Cultural Festival (FBLB) in Usilimo District, Jayawijaya Regency. The event is scheduled to take place from August 7 to 10, 2023.
Engelbertus Sorabut, the Head of Jayawijaya Regency Culture and Tourism Office, disclosed this information on Thursday morning, August 3, 2023. While the specific countries of origin for the foreign tourists are yet to be known, the current data from HPI indicates the participation of around 100 tourists.
To attract both local and foreign visitors to Wamena, the organizers had previously promoted FBLB in Bali through a cultural and tourist exhibition showcasing the attractions and values of Jayawijaya.
During the FBLB event, a diverse array of cultural displays from the Baliem Valley people will be showcased, including traditional warfare demonstrations, mass stone burning, Sikoko games, traditional dances, archery, and several other cultural performances by the Baliem indigenous community.
However, Onna Chandra Korwa, one of the managers responsible for the Baliem Pilamo Wamena hotel, revealed that this year’s foreign tourist bookings, with coordinated room reservations, have only reached 50 percent compared to the previous year. The remaining 50 percent of bookings are from domestic tourists, particularly individuals from Jakarta, such as bank employees and aviation personnel.
Furthermore, Korwa mentioned that the bookings made by foreign tourists and local visitors are for a shorter duration, typically for only three days, in contrast to previous years when reservations were made for more than a week. (*)
