Jayapura, Jubi – During the 7th Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival held in Port Villa, Vanuatu on July 19, 2023, the West Papua delegation, led by Benny Wenda and Raki Ap from the United Liberation Movement For West Papua (ULMWP), made a significant presence. Hundreds of Morning Star flags were proudly displayed during the opening and cultural parade, showcasing the Papuan culture.
The festival also saw the participation of Papuan artists, including Frans Sisir Rumbino, Michael Idol Jakarmilena, and Putri Nere, who traveled from Jakarta to Port Villa to add their musical touch from Papua to the event.
Additionally, music groups from the Solomon Islands contributed to the festive atmosphere. Notably, there was a delegation from the Australian Torres Strait Islands, who graced the occasion with their captivating traditional dances.
Alick Timothy, a tribal chief from the Torres Strait currently in Vanuatu, expressed the excitement of the Torres Strait islanders to participate in the festival.
The Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival is a biennial cultural event that has been taking place since 1998. This year, it was hosted in Port Villa from July 19 to July 31, 2023. (*)
