Arborek Tourist Village

Community Structure and Cultural Governance

Arborek's main strength lies in its social system. As a cultural center, the village prioritizes customary deliberation in every decision-making process. The role of the Mananwir (customary leader) is central in upholding traditional norms. Community-Based Tourism management ensures that every cultural activity offered to tourists holds educational value and does not exploit the sacredness of traditions.

Traditional Arts: Cakalele Dance and Suling Tambur

The performing arts in Arborek are the residents' way of communicating with their history. One of the most prominent is the Cakalele Dance. Unlike its Maluku version, Cakalele in Arborek reflects the bravery of the Biak Betew sailors. Male dancers wear traditional attire made from bark and adorned with Birds of Paradise feathers, carrying spears (kalwai) and shields, performing agile movements that depict territorial defense.

Additionally, the Suling Tambur performance is a mandatory presentation to welcome honored guests. This music is a unique acculturation of local culture with past external influences. The piercing sound of the flute combined with the beat of the deer-skin drum creates a resonant harmony. For the people of Arborek, Suling Tambur is not just entertainment music but a symbol of togetherness and collective joy.

Handicrafts: Noken Weaving and Manta Hats

The handicraft sector in Arborek is the most successful women's empowerment program. The mothers in this village, known as "Mama-Mama Arborek," possess extraordinary skills in weaving forest pandan leaves and plant fibers.

The most iconic product is the Topi Pari (Manta Hat). This handicraft is unique to Arborek, where the weaving is shaped to resemble a manta ray—an animal highly respected in these waters. Furthermore, they produce Noken, traditional Papuan bags recognized by UNESCO. In this cultural center, tourists not only buy finished products but can also participate in short workshops to learn the techniques of weaving traditional geometric patterns that hold philosophical meaning about humanity's connection with nature.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

As a cultural center, Arborek runs the "Arborek Kids" program, a study group for the younger generation. This program aims to transfer traditional knowledge from elders to children. Educational materials include:

1. Biak Betew Language: An effort to preserve the local dialect from becoming extinct amidst formal Indonesian.

2. Traditional Maritime Knowledge: Teaching children how to read constellations for navigation and understand ocean currents.

3. Culture-Based Conservation: Instilling the value that protecting coral reefs is part of an ancestral mandate.

Another uniqueness is the active involvement of youth as cultural tour guides. They are trained to narrate their tribe's migration history from Biak to settling in Raja Ampat, turning every corner of the village into an open classroom.

Festivals and Important Cultural Events

Every year, Arborek Tourist Village becomes a focal point through various cultural events. One of the most anticipated is the Arborek Festival. During this event, all villagers participate in traditional boat races (wa) and local food cooking competitions.

In addition, there are customary ceremonies related to Sasi Laut. Sasi is a tradition of prohibiting the harvesting of certain marine products for a specific period. The opening and closing ceremonies of Sasi in Arborek are very sacred cultural events. Here, spirituality is deeply ingrained, where the community seeks permission from nature and God for abundant marine yields. This event demonstrates that local culture is the most effective conservation instrument.

Traditional Cuisine as Cultural Heritage

Arborek's culture is also reflected in its cuisine. Tourists are invited to experience Papeda served with yellow fish soup. However, more specific is the processing of Sago, which is a staple food. There is also Sinole, a snack made from sago and grated coconut, cooked using traditional methods over a stone stove. Through culinary programs, the village introduces the richness of organic and sustainable local food.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Role in Local Development

Arborek consistently rejects the construction of large hotels that could damage the village's social and ecological structure. Instead, they develop locally managed homestays. This is a cultural preservation strategy to ensure that interactions between tourists and residents remain personal and educational.

The Cultural Center in Arborek acts as a fortress against the negative impacts of globalization. By making culture the primary economic asset, the community feels proud and motivated to continue practicing their traditions. The development of this village serves as a blueprint for other villages in Southwest Papua in terms of cultural self-reliance.

The Uniqueness of "Clean Village" Culture

One of the modern cultural aspects growing in Arborek is the culture of cleanliness. The village is known as the cleanest village in Raja Ampat. The habit of not throwing trash into the sea and sorting plastic waste has become a "new customary norm." This clean culture is an evolution of local wisdom that views the sea as a "mother" whose honor must be protected.

Conclusion: The Future of Tradition in Arborek

Arborek Tourist Village proves that economic progress through tourism does not have to sacrifice cultural roots. As a cultural center in Raja Ampat, Arborek remains steadfast in its Biak Betew identity. Under the shade of coconut trees and on its white sandy shores, traditions are not just remembered in history books but are continuously danced, sung, and woven by each generation. Arborek is a beacon for the future of Southwest Papua, where nature and culture dance in perfect harmony.