Original article in Bahasa Indonesia; this is a translation.
Araminus Omaleng, a member of Commission II of the Central Papua Provincial House of Representatives, has voiced full support for training and certifying local Indigenous youth as mountain guides in Mimika.
Araminus Omaleng, a member of Commission II of the Central Papua Provincial House of Representatives (DPRP), has voiced full support and high appreciation for the initiative to empower Indigenous youth who own the customary lands in Mimika’s natural areas.
This support follows the training and certification of mountain guides for local Indigenous young people, initiated by the Indonesian Mountaineers Association (APGI) through its partner, Yayasan Wisatari Alam Papua.
“I strongly support and appreciate APGI and Yayasan Wisata Alam Papua. Their presence and cooperation in Mimika to provide training and BNSP certification for local mountain guides is an extraordinary step that deserves special attention,” the Commission II member said.
He stressed the importance of the role of the Mimika Regency Office of Tourism, Youth and Sports (Disparbudpora) in supporting the programme.
The training programme is seen as a strategic solution to two crucial issues. First, increasing the direct involvement of Indigenous people as companions for tourists coming to the Mimika area. Second, and most importantly, opening up a sustainable source of income for the residents of the villages that own the customary lands.
“The people who own this water, these rivers and these mountains must no longer be mere spectators, or just selfie subjects for newcomers. They must be actively involved, accompany every tourist, and enjoy the fruits of their own natural wealth,” he said.
He also highlighted the long-standing inequality in which the economic benefits have often been enjoyed only by a handful of large companies.
According to him, the presence of certified local guides is not just about jobs. It is a form of recognition and pride.
“This is so that the Indigenous children, the rightful owners of the water, rivers and mountains, do not just watch from afar. They must be directly involved, accompanying everyone who wants to see the beauty of Papua’s nature. That way, tourists do not only see the landscape, but also meet and interact with its original owners, who live side by side with nature. That is very good,” he said enthusiastically.
Through this official statement, Commission II of Central Papua Province is committed to fully supporting and encouraging the continuation of Yayasan Wisata Alam Papua’s programmes, especially those aimed at empowering Indigenous youth in the Mount Nemangkawi area and its surroundings.
This support is expected to act as a catalyst so that the rightful owners of the land of Central Papua truly become masters in their own homeland, building prosperity from the natural beauty they have guarded for generations.
