Sentani, Jubi – Chairman of the sixth Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago Congress (KMAN VI) Estobio Rero Renggi said the congress’ opening ceremony to be held in Tanah Tabi, Jayapura Regency on Monday, October 24, 2022, would be attended by 2,500 indigenous peoples from across the archipelago.
The congress will be opened with a cultural carnival in the morning from Theys Hiyo Eluay Field in the center of Sentani City to Barnabas Youwe Stadium.
“All preparations and rehearsals related to the opening ceremony are being carried out, including the consolidation of congress activities to the indigenous contingent coordinators,” Estobio said in Sentani on Sunda.
Among the participants and guests who will be present at the opening ceremony of KMAN VI are representatives from abroad who arrived in Papua a few days ago, central government officials, lawmakers, Papua Regional Leader Coordination Forum of Sarmi Regency, Keerom Regency, Mamberamo Raya Regency, and Jayapura City.
“We are ready for the opening ceremony tomorrow. Local and national media are here, as well as the Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago’s (AMAN) partners. The president’s attendance is still on schedule, the office of the president’s staff (KSP) is also here for coordination,” he said.
Secretary of KMAN VI Septer Manufandu said that there was misinformation about consumption and accommodation but all technical matters had been resolved now. Currently, some participants are already staying in the homes of community members.
“To anticipate more arriving participants, the committee has shifted accommodation to the athlete’s house in Doyo Lama, Bambar Village,” he said.
Meanwhile, Coordinator of the Jayapura Regency Customary Tribal Council Daniel Toto said that at the opening ceremony of KMAN VI, all indigenous peoples of the archipelago expect the presence of President Joko Widodo to submit several documents that have been prepared by indigenous peoples.
“Among the documents are communal certificate in the mapping of the customary area, codification of 14 customary villages, and customary forest decree in Jayapura Regency. The presence of the president represents the state’s recognition towards indigenous peoples so that the special autonomy which is currently taking place is implemented well,” he said. (*)
