“Leprosy treatment has not been maximal, as it still relies heavily on the Health Operational Assistance (BOK) funds from the state budget (APBN) through the Ministry of Health," he said in a written statement here on Friday.
According to him, the funds from both APBN and regional budgets (APBD) to treat leprosy in the region are very limited.
He called for stronger budget support from both central and regional governments to ensure leprosy handling programs meet expectations.
Adequate funding, he said, is needed not only for medication but also for strengthening healthcare worker capacity, improving service facilities, and optimizing early detection efforts.
“As a regional representative, I will push the Ministry of Health to allocate APBN support. The same goes for the local governments,” he added.
Aside from funding, frequent changes in health officials also disrupt the continuity of leprosy programs, which require consistency due to the disease’s infectious nature.
Many healthcare workers have raised this concern. "There is no training budget, and with every change in officials, the programs change as well,” Wamafma stated.
West Papua Health Office Head Alwan Rimosan reported 422 leprosy cases as of September 2023, including 254 new ones.
Some ongoing efforts to address this are by pushing the leprosy problem in the 2025-2029 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD), ensuring medicine distribution, conducting outreach, and applying chemoprophylaxis.
Rimosan also mentioned some challenges, including a lack of trained personnel, minimal funding from districts, and incomplete reporting from Pegunungan Arfak, Kaimana, and Teluk Wondama Districts.
Related news: Indonesia intensifies leprosy elimination in 111 districts, cities
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Translator: Fransiskus, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
To replace Budi, on Wednesday President Prabowo inaugurated Djamari Chaniago, his senior at the military academy who in the late 1990s served as commander of the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad).
The revised law increases the number of state institutions to which military officers can be appointed without having to retire early from the service from 10 to 14. The new legislation also expands the TNI’s non-combat operations and extends sitting officers’ retirement age. When the Constitutional Court (MK) read its ruling on Wednesday to uphold the legality of the revised TNI Law, the court’s judges were up against insurmountable odds. It was difficult for them to turn the tide in a political atmosphere that was already welcoming the increased presence of the military in civilian affairs. And with soldiers still patrolling the streets as the court was hearing the case, it was as if the panel of judges was staring down the barrel.
Papua, Indonesia, has long been known for its rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions. The Biak Cultural Festival 2025 is poised to build on this legacy by attracting international tourists and putting the region in the global spotlight. This festival, scheduled for October 18–20, 2025, aims to showcase Papuan culture to the world, celebrating its unique traditions, art, music, and culinary heritage. By offering an immersive cultural experience, it will help position Papua as an emerging destination for cultural tourism in Indonesia and beyond.
Embracing Global Tourism Opportunities
The Biak Cultural Festival 2025 is designed to be more than just a local celebration. It is part of a larger strategy to position Papua as a premier destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. The event will be a melting pot of traditional dance, food, music, and arts from both within Indonesia and neighboring nations, such as Papua New Guinea. This will offer tourists an opportunity to engage with diverse cultures while discovering the heritage of the Biak people.
Papua’s tourism sector has been expanding, and the 2025 Biak Cultural Festival is expected to play a key role in attracting not only domestic but also international visitors. With performances such as the mesmerizing Wor and Yospan dances and the ancient apen beyeren ritual, which involves walking barefoot on hot stones, the festival will appeal to tourists seeking unique and unforgettable experiences.
This festival will also serve as a platform to promote Papuan cuisine and traditional crafts. Local artisans and businesses will have the opportunity to exhibit their products, providing visitors with the chance to take home authentic souvenirs. This celebration of local talent will highlight the creative economy and offer a glimpse into the region’s sustainable development through small businesses(MSMEs) and entrepreneurship.
A Platform for International Cultural Exchange
One of the main attractions of the festival will be its international focus. With guests from neighboring Papua New Guinea and even countries as far as Seychelles, the festival aims to foster cross-cultural understanding. This focus on international participation will not only enhance the cultural richness of the event but also strengthen global ties. Tourists from various parts of the world will have the opportunity to experience and learn from the rich cultural diversity of Papua.
Papua New Guinea, a neighboring island nation, shares much of the same cultural and historical background as Papua. Therefore, this festival offers a unique opportunity to deepen the connection between these two regions, fostering a greater sense of unity and shared heritage. By welcoming visitors from the Pacific Islands and beyond, the festival will promote Papua as a cultural hub that links diverse cultures and people.
The international cultural festival planned for 2026 promises to build on the foundation set by the 2025 event. The upcoming festival will involve even more countries from the Pacific and other parts of the world, strengthening the global profile of Papua tourism.
Economic Impacts: Boosting Local Economies
The Biak Cultural Festival 2025 will not only have cultural significance but also major economic impacts. By attracting international tourists, the festival will generate substantial income for local businesses, especially those in the hospitality, food, and tourism sectors. Visitors will require accommodations, meals, and transportation, offering a boost to local economies and providing employment opportunities for the region.
Furthermore, the inclusion of small businesses in the festival through exhibitions and live demonstrations of traditional cooking and craftwork will help highlight the importance of the creative economy in Papua. This will encourage further investments in local industries, particularly those tied to sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.
Local artists and craftspeople will also benefit from increased visibility during the event, which could open up new markets for their work. This supports the idea of tourism as a tool for economic empowerment, creating a lasting impact on the livelihoods of individuals involved in the creative sectors.
Preserving Culture Through Tourism
The theme for the 2025 festival, “Loving Culture to Shape Character”, emphasizes the role of culture in shaping identity. By showcasing local traditions and promoting cultural preservation, the event plays a crucial role in maintaining the cultural heritage of the Biak people. The Biak Cultural Festival provides a platform for the younger generation to engage with their cultural roots, ensuring the continuation of traditions in the face of modernization.
Cultural tourism, as seen in other parts of the world, has the potential to drive both the conservation of cultural practices and the economic development of the region. By emphasizing Papuan traditionsand art forms, the festival ensures that the local community remains connected to their roots while welcoming the influences of a globalized world.
From Local Festival to International Icon
The Biak Cultural Festival is set to grow over the coming years. After the 2025 edition, plans for an even larger international cultural festival in 2026 are already in motion. This longer-term vision of turning Biak into an international cultural destination is set to attract greater international attention, from tourists and businesses alike. By expanding the scope of the festival and involving a wider range of international participants, Papua will establish itself as a significant player in the global tourism market.
This progressive vision aligns with broader goals within the Indonesian tourism sector, where cultural tourism is a priority. By tapping into the growing global interest in authentic travel experiences, Papua is positioning itself as an unspoiled gem for culture seekers worldwide.
Building a Global Tourism Network
One of the key benefits of the festival is the opportunity it presents to build international partnerships. By inviting countries from the Pacific and East Africa, such as Seychelles, the festival strengthens its standing as a central hub for cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. These international connections not only enhance the experience for attendees but also lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration in the tourism and cultural exchange sectors.
As a result, Papua is becoming a beacon for both tourism and international cooperation. This festival exemplifies how culture can be used as a tool for fostering relationships, driving economic growth, and enhancing global awareness of lesser-known but deeply fascinating destinations.
The Future of Biak Tourism
Looking ahead, the Biak Cultural Festival 2025 will help raise the profile of Papua as a cultural tourism destination. The event is expected to inspire future tourism initiatives in the region, creating lasting infrastructure improvements and further promoting the preservation of local culture. As international tourism continues to expand, Papua stands ready to showcase its vibrant cultural traditions, diverse landscapes, and welcoming community.
In conclusion, the Biak Cultural Festival 2025 is much more than a celebration of local traditions. It represents a pivotal moment for Papua tourism, with the potential to transform the region into a global cultural destination. Through international collaboration, economic development, and the preservation of cultural heritage, the festival offers a model for sustainable tourism and cultural exchange. As the festival evolves into a more prominent event in the years to come, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of Papua on the world tourism map.
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