Original article in Bahasa Indonesia; this is a translation.
Yayasan Wisatari Alam Papua (YWAP) has been formally established in Mimika to preserve the arts, culture and traditions of the Amungme people, with PT Wisata Puncak Nemangkawi introduced as the operational entity for its tourism activities.
Yayasan Wisatari Alam Papua (YWAP) has been formally established in Mimika as a platform for preserving the arts, culture and traditions of the Amungme people. YWAP was founded by Dolfin Beanal, founder of Honai Adat Pengusaha Amungme Kamoro (HAPAK), who has partnered with the Indonesian Mountain Guides Association (APGI) to develop tourism based on local wisdom.
The launch of YWAP was marked by an outreach event and mountain tour guide certification training, focused specifically on developing tourism in the Puncak Nemangkawi area. The event was held at a hotel in Timika on Wednesday (23/7/2025).
In the speech of the Regent of Mimika, Johannes Rettob, read by the Regent’s Expert Staff for Law, Politics and Governance, Yakobus Kareth, it was stated that Mimika has extraordinary natural beauty, from tropical rainforests and rivers to challenging mountain areas, including Puncak Nemangkawi.
“This potential must be managed wisely, not only for economic interests but also for the preservation of nature and culture. This event is expected to increase the community’s capacity in culture- and nature-based tourism, encourage certification, and provide added economic value for local residents,” said Yakobus.
HAPAK founder Dolfin Beanal explained that YWAP was formed as a platform for preserving Amungme culture through educational programmes, training and various activities based on local values.
“This foundation is the main driving force in safeguarding cultural identity and ensuring that the younger generation stays connected to its traditional roots,” he said.
Dolfin also introduced PT Wisata Puncak Nemangkawi (PT WPN) as the operational entity that will run tourism activities, from serving tourists and managing destinations to developing sustainable ecotourism.
“YWAP will act as the guardian of cultural values, while PT WPN will carry out tourism activities based on Indigenous communities, especially young Amungme people who have long faced challenges in accessing jobs and developing their capacity,” he explained.
Support also came from Araminus Omaleng, a member of the Central Papua Provincial House of Representatives. He sees the development of local tour guides as a strategic step to strengthen community-based tourism in Mimika.
“I fully support this, including pushing for special regulations for the local guide profession, so that the community truly becomes master in its own homeland,” Araminus stressed.
