Lestariweb
a journey through Papua
Lestariweb
The Asmat people are expert craftsmen and sculptors and their art is famous around the world.
In the late 1960's, Asmat crafts received a boost by a project supported by the United Nations, which
aimed to encourage local craftsmen to keep alive their art.
They live in a kind of wood culture because all their tools are somehow related to wood.
The Asmat people live in the areas of Flamingo Bay and Cook's Bay, on the Southwestern coast of Irian Jaya.
Modern civilization did not reach this area until recently. Nevertheless, the main town Agats has an interesting museum
filled with woodcarvings and other objects. However, the area largely consists of untamed wilderness, mangroves,
and rivers with huge tides. Only two hotels are available and the area is hard to reach and very expensive once arrived.
The gateway to the Asmat region is Mopah Airport in Merauke. The airport is served by Lion Air
and Batavia Air directly from Jakarta, or inside Papua by Merpati Nusantara Airlines from Jayapura.
Once arrived in Merauke, Merpaty Air flies several times a week to Ewer, which is very near to Agats, the main
town in the Asmat region.
An alternative is the Pelni liner Sangiang, which connects Merauke, Agats and Timika.
To travel in the Asmat region a special permission is required, called surat jalan. You can apply
for this permission at every police station. Costs are low. Two passport-size photos are necessary. Make plenty of photocopies
once having the surat jalan in your hands, as you will have to give it to several local authorities
when travelling overland. At each town you stay overnight, go first to the police station for registration.
Jl. Kompas, Agats
Phone: +0971/31038
Very basic accomodation. One of two opportunities in Agats
Jl. Yos Sudarso, Agats
Phone: +0971/31002
That's the other sleeping opportunity in Agats.
Jl. Trikora 3, Merauke
Phone: +0971/321065
Your last bastion of comfort before departure into the Asmat region.
Find your accomodation in Indonesia by checking our hotel recommendations. You might get additional information on culture and attractions of Indonesia by trying on of the suggested books and guides. If you have special questions on a particular tour or trip, don't hesitate to contact one of the tour operators. We wish you a pleasant stay on our site, and maybe we once meet in Indonesia: the land of natural attractions and cultural diversity.
