TEMPO.CO, Manokwari - Noken or knitting work of the people of Papua is considered as a potential creative business that could be developed. The handicraft knitting for the bag material is spread widely in Papua and West Papua.

Member of the International Conference of Biodiversity Ecotourism and Creative Economy (ICBE), Bustar Mayar said Unesco has named noken as one of the world’s heritage.

The United Nation's decision through Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), said Bustar Mayar, brought a positive effect for cultural and economic growth for the locals.

“This is a business opportunity for indigenous people of Papua. The materials can easily be found in the forest and they have the knitting skill. They just need to improve it,” added Bustar Maytar in Manokwari, West Papua on Tuesday, July 31.

He explained that noken is an icon for Papua. The unique product of Papua is hoped will be sustainable and provide economic impact for the citizens. According to Bustar Maytar, noken in West Papua and Papua has various type depends on their character and material.

Noken is a knitting craft of the Papuan in the form similar to a tote bag. The materials are from barks and plants that are woven or knitted. This bag is usually put on the head to carry goods or farm products.

In October 2018, the International Conference on Ecotourism Biodiversity and Creative Economy (ICBE) will be held in Manokwari. The creative industrial development will be one of the main subjects.

The development of noken is expected to be one of the focuses in the regional development strategy.

The third ICBE in Manokwari, West Papua, is estimated to be attended by 11 countries. The participants are consist of government representatives, non-government institutions and non-governmental organizations.

ANTARA