Ima Dini Shafira, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo officially opened Papua Street Carnival in Jayapura today, July 7, 2023. The event is orchestrated by the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry in tandem with the Papua Youth Creative Hub (PYCH).

"I was there when PYCH was inaugurated, then I see its progress shown to me earlier. I believe young Papuans will make a big leap," the President said in his speech in Jayapura, Papua, Friday.

He said the leap is already visible when he sees the carnival exhibiting Papuan products, from coffee to smoked fish, packaged in an attractive design. Other than food products, he said electronic goods, such as cell phones and laptops, have also been assembled in eastern Indonesia.

"That's a leap. We will see what the creative industry in Papua is like. We will see it this morning," Jokowi remarked.

A number of state figures were also present at the carnival opening ceremony, including Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit, and Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Admiral Yudo Margono.

Sandiaga Uno said the carnival features dozens of PYCH youth costumes that will be exhibited in a parade with the longest runway in eastern Indonesia. Attractions of 100 decorative boats will also be displayed in this event.

"Themed Papua Extravaganza: the East Great Spirit, the Papua Street Carnival is a forum for creative economic actors, a reflection of the enthusiasm of young people to advance Papua and their extraordinary creations," Sandiaga Uno said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1745429/jokowi-inaugurates-papua-street-carnival-toda