Biak Cultural Festival: Loving Culture, Shaping Character
Reported by Paulus Laratmase
Translated (Indonesian-English) by Leni Marlina Suara Anak Negeri — October 20th, 2025
–
The Biak Cultural Festival has become one of the most anticipated annual events for the people of Biak Numfor Regency. More than just a celebration, the festival stands as a declaration of the Biak people’s identity—deeply rooted in ancestral values and the spirit of togetherness.
In his opening remarks, Biak Numfor Regent Markus O. Mansnembra, S.H., M.M., emphasized that the festival serves as a platform for the younger generation to “know, love, and preserve culture as the foundation that shapes the identity and dignity of the Biak people.” His statement reflects the local government’s commitment to making culture the cornerstone of human development—nurturing ethical, strong, and competitive citizens.
The Regent also highlighted the philosophy of “Fan Naggi”, a noble cultural value long regarded as the soul of Biak’s social life. “Fan Naggi teaches us about love, brotherhood, and social solidarity—values that form the basis of Biak life,” he explained. To him, Fan Naggi is not merely a relic of the past, but a living moral compass that remains relevant amid modern challenges. Without understanding and embracing this value, he warned, people risk losing direction and becoming detached from their cultural roots.
In the context of character education, the Regent stressed the need to integrate Fan Naggi values into the education system and community activities. “Schools, churches, and families must become spaces where Fan Naggi is learned and lived. Our children must understand that loving their own culture is a form of reverence to God and to their ancestors,” he stated. Through such efforts, the young generation can grow not as mere spectators of cultural festivals, but as the true heirs and practitioners of local wisdom.
The Biak Cultural Festival features various traditional performances, including Wor dances, folk games, customary rituals, and handicraft exhibitions. Yet, beyond the festivity, Regent Mansnembra reminded the public not to treat the event merely as entertainment. “This festival is not just about spectacle; it is a statement that we remain faithful to the Biak identity—rooted in brotherhood, openness, and respect for nature,” he declared. This perspective underscores culture as a powerful medium for social education and human values.
Each year, the Biak Numfor government encourages youth and customary communities to take an active role in organizing the festival. “Young people must become ambassadors of Fan Naggi. They need to see culture not as something old-fashioned, but as a source of pride that strengthens their identity as Biak people,” said the Regent. Through this vision, he aims to foster cultural regeneration so that traditional values continue to live and evolve with time.
Regent Mansnembra also highlighted the economic dimension of cultural preservation. “When we love our culture, we are not only protecting our heritage but also opening creative economic opportunities rooted in local wisdom,” he noted. In this sense, the festival serves both as a medium of expression and as a sustainable tourism platform grounded in local identity—where cultural conservation and economic growth strengthen one another.
Furthermore, the Regent sees Fan Naggi as a guiding principle for a humane and participatory government. “Fan Naggi teaches us to serve with sincerity, to see others as brothers and sisters—not merely as citizens,” he said in one of his speeches. According to him, governance inspired by cultural ethics will more easily build public trust and social harmony. Thus, Fan Naggi is not only an ancestral value but also a social ethic that guides Biak’s development.
In his closing message, Regent Markus Mansnembra called on all Biak Numfor residents to continue loving their culture as an expression of self-respect. “If we lose our culture, we lose our direction. But if we live by Fan Naggi, we will become strong, wise, and compassionate Biak people,” he said passionately. His statement serves as a profound reflection on the meaning of loving culture—as the foundation of human character. Through the Biak Cultural Festival and the enduring value of Fan Naggi, the people of Biak Numfor are reminded that the future can only be built upon sincere love and respect for their ancestral heritage.
The Indonesian version of the news above is available in the following official link below:
