Thousands flock to Lake Sentani Festival
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Thu, June 19 2014, 12:46 PM

Thousands of people mostly hailing from Jayapura and surrounding areas flocked to the Lake Sentani Festival during its opening ceremony on Thursday.

The opening of the seventh Lake Sentani Festival will feature various attractions such as a 100-meter-long tree bark painting, Isosolo dancing aboard boats, giant clay pottery and diving while smoking, said Hana Hikoyabi of the festival's organizing committee.

Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and diplomats from India and Palestine were expected to attend the festival's opening ceremony.

The Lake Sentani Festival is one of three major festivals in Papua, besides the Baliem Valley Festival held in August and the Asmat Festival in October, that together offer the best and most comprehensive presentations of the island, according to information on the official Indonesian tourism website www.Indonesia.travel.

The seventh Lake Sentani Festival runs from June 19 to 23 under the theme "My Culture, My Life".

Papuan artists from 19 districts will offer a wide range of cultural performances, exhibitions and culinary treats.

"Resounding Sounds of the Tifa" will be performed by 500 Papuan dancers and musicians wearing traditional costumes.

Fierce competition will take place in events such as boat racing for men and women and musical competitions on drums and pipes with songs from various parts of the region. A tour will also be offered to the Islands of Asei and Ajun to witness special local rituals.

A multimedia show will loop to showcase the various attractions that the region has to offer as well as the preparations for the National Sports Meet, PON 2020, to be held in the province of Papua.

Lake Sentani is one of the largest lakes in Papua, Indonesia's easternmost province. (hhr)

Sumber:http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/06/19/thousands-flock-lake-sentani-festival.html