RI Govt pushes intellectual property protection for Baliem Valley

Wamena (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Law is promoting the protection of the Baliem Valley community's intellectual property in Jayawijaya District, Papua Mountains, during the 33rd Baliem Valley Cultural Festival (FBLB) 2025.

The protected intellectual property in focus is a noken (traditional bamboo) knitting competition, which has the potential to boost the economies of village communities in Jayawijaya District.

Anthonius M. Ayorbaba, head of the Ministry's Papua Regional Office, stated on Saturday that the intellectual property potential of the Jayawijaya community showcased at the 33rd FBLB must be preserved.

"Jayawijaya District has rich natural and cultural tourism destinations, traditional houses or honai, and green and fresh areas. Therefore, we are encouraging the proper protection of Jayawijaya's cultural potential," he remarked.

According to Ayorbaba, FBLB is one of the oldest cultural activities in Indonesia and is listed among the top 10 charismatic events of Nusantara (KEN).

"The festival offers cultural attractions such as dance, noken weaving, carvings, traditional food, and visits to tourist attractions. Therefore, the cultural potential of Jayawijaya must be properly recognized, meaning it must receive legal protection," he emphasized.

He explained that the presence of visitors and tourists at the 33rd FBLB directly supports the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially for the community, local entrepreneurs, restaurants, and transportation services.

"The cultural richness displayed at the FBLB needs to receive intellectual property protection through intellectual property registration so the public can fully benefit from this grand event," he stated.

He remarked that the 33rd FBLB stands out from similar events in previous years, with a series of tourist attractions designed with distinctive artistic and cultural touches.

"The performance of 1,500 pikon (traditional musical instrument) players also set a record with the Indonesian Museum of World Records (MURI)," Ayorbaba remarked.

"The first MURI record in 2019 was for a 30-meter-long noken (traditional bag). Noken was included in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in 2012," he stated.

He believes that the FBLB is not only a forum for promoting culture and tourism but also an opportunity for the community to gain economic benefits and secure legal protection for their intellectual property.

"We must continue to support and preserve this festival as part of Indonesia's cultural heritage," he affirmed.