Papuan Highlands — The use of noken as part of daily activities in offices and schools continues to be promoted by Yokin Lokobal, a member of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) representing the Highlands region. He believes that the preservation of noken should not be limited to symbolic recognition but must be realized through direct implementation in everyday life.
Lokobal stated that noken—a traditional bag native to Papua—holds deep historical and cultural value, particularly for the people of the Papuan Highlands. “Noken carries great significance, especially for us Papuans. Therefore, it must be preserved by incorporating it into daily routines, such as in schools, offices, and other activities,” he emphasized.
As an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, noken is considered an important symbol of Papuan identity. Lokobal hopes the cultural values embodied in the noken will not fade amid the pressures of modernization. In his view, preservation must begin with the habit of using noken in both formal and informal settings.
In his statement, Lokobal also called on the young generation of Papua, particularly those in the highlands, to continue safeguarding the presence of noken in the face of changing times. He stressed that love for local culture, including noken, is a tangible form of honoring one’s identity.
“The love and pride for noken must never fade among the younger generation. Continue preserving noken as a symbol of Papuan identity, wherever you are,” he said.
Support for noken preservation has also come from the Child Development Program (PPA) initiated by three major churches in the region—the Assemblies of God Church (GSJA), the Evangelical Tabernacle Church of Indonesia (GKII), and the Bethel Church of Indonesia (GBI). According to Lokobal, through this program, 90 pregnant women and teenagers have participated in noken-making training over the course of 18 months.
“This initiative is important, not only because it provides facilities and materials for making noken, but also because it serves as a means to transfer skills and cultural values to the next generation,” Lokobal stated. He hopes such programs will continue to grow so that cultural preservation does not end with just one generation.
