Beauty of The diversity Papua.

In a vast plain between the green mountains, dozens of people had gathered. Each person holding a sharp weapon or arrow, complete with all the attributes of war.
Clearly painted vivid impression on their faces. A tribal war broke out in the Valley would Baliem, Papua. Sure enough, after each set strategy, war is inevitable.

Both groups were chasing each other and releasing the arrow. While brandishing a weapon in his hand, they kept screaming to burn the spirit. While women and children running to save themselves.

You surely agree, it was certainly something very sad. But oddly, while watching the events above, which appears just the opposite feeling. How come you know so? Because, apparently furious that the war is actually not a real war, but rather a war dance or rather simulation attraction that became part of that was exhibited by the Dani tribe in Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Wamena, Papua.

Stretching between the indentations Jayawijaya Central Highlands, Baliem Valley has long been a venue for the largest annual cultural festival in the land of Papua. In this valley, the Dani people live in harmony and united in the embrace of mountains which mengelilingnya Papua beautiful and charming nature. Aside from being a 'home', Baliem often become an arena of war by the warring tribes and became the arena of slaughter those who fight for the triumph of tribal pride.

Baliem own new existence surfaced in the 1930s, with a report stating that there are a bunch of primitive tribes that live in the valley. About 10 years later, the valley is isolated from foreign influence is increasingly known by the outside world, after the National Geographic magazine put the valley on the world map in magazine publications.

It also marks the first time in the valley along the 80 km and a width of 20 miles is included in the map of the world. Since then many people are curious to come Baliem to study various issues related to this valley. They generally work as social workers, like teachers, nurses, doctors, and missionaries who spread Christianity.

The war became inseparable in the life of the Dani people and other tribes in Papua. For them, war has some deep meaning. In addition to already become a tradition for generations, war is regarded as not merely another arena for power struggles between tribes, but also a symbol of fertility and prosperity. That is, if there is no war then do not expect to harvest and pigs will be successful and healthy. If you have this, they must prepare themselves to face the bad season.

On the other hand, war also become a means to find the popularity of a tribe. With the win the war, the name of spare will be more famous and feared by other tribes. As for the youth, tribal war is considered as a venue looking for identity to be a real man, tough and dignified for the advancement of its territory, both present and future. The outbreak of war in the region itself is caused by several things, mostly because of border disputes, women, or because wim (pets).

When the war will happen then Baliem was an arena that is often used. This does not mean that the tribes were war-a-holic or always looking for trouble. For verily, they want to live in peace and at ease as other communities in order to establish its territory.

Variety of Interesting Things
Since the first held in 1991, a war dance or dim the attractions in the language of the Dani, a main attraction at every execution of Baliem Valley Cultural Festival. Uniquely, the theme that was carried in the dance is not about revenge or hostility but rather something that is positive is popularly known as Yogotak Hubuluk Motog Hanorogo (hope tomorrow will be better than today).

Baliem Festival lasts about 3 days and held every August. This dance is usually followed by about 26 tribes who inhabited the surrounding Baliem. Each participant consists of 30-50 groups and each group amounted to 50-100 people. The participants were each armed with spears, arrows and machetes, complete with traditional costumes and face paintings and knick knacks in the war.

In addition to the war dance, Baliem Valley Cultural Festival offers six other important events that almost always held. One is the traditional musical performances Pikon or held to entertain the visitors. Made of Hite or wood, the songs are played with Pikon tells the story of human life. Interestingly, although it look easy, not all Papuans proved capable of playing this instrument. This instrument is able to bring the voices that sound almost the same with animals.

A variety of traditional games enliven Baliem Festival. This event not only witnessed, but if visitors or tourists interested, can participate in the game. Archery, throwing Sege alias stick to predetermined targets, puradan, the game rolling wheels of woven rattan and sikoko, a throwing contest pawn to a predetermined target, is a game that is often displayed in this festival.

Not infrequently, the Festival Baliem growing popularity thanks to supporters of the event that no less exciting and more unique. Call it kerapan pigs or pig races, weaving competitions and a variety of other events.

Real Challenge
To watch the uniqueness offered Baliem Valley Cultural Festival as well as Papua's natural beauty is a challenge and requires special preparation. The long journey that must be reached from Jakarta - Wamena, obviously cost money, time and risk is high. Not to mention, the condition for there to be said, far removed from any facility that is able to pamper the body. Surely it would add to the long list of challenge that must be faced.

However, all doubts and difficulties that would be paid off after watching the entire series a unique festival in Baliem. Because only here you can witness firsthand the real life of the Dani. Here also you can merge and mingle with the people who still adhere to traditions that may be far different from what we have. All that is found in Baliem will certainly make your trip will always be fond of all time.