TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ugimba tourism village in Intan Jaya regency, Papua Province, has been inaugurated as the tourism destination along with Cartensz Pyramid or Puncak Jaya - the highest summit of Mount Carstensz- as Papua’s featured tourism destination. These destinations was inaugurated by Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu on September 23 in Sapta Pesona building, Jakarta.
According to Mari, the Uginba village will also functions as natural conservation area for Cartensz summit that is known as the snowy summit in a tropical area. Carstensz Pyramid is also one of the five mountains in the world that is favored by climbers.
Although there are several accesses available to reach the peak, only Ugimba Track is safe from the Papuan Separatist Organization (OPM).
“There are three climbing accesses. First is from Ilaga, in Puncak Jaya Regency, but it is not safe. And the one through Singa area in Timika also not safe,” said former Papua Police Chief (Kapolda) Irjen Tito Karnavian.
Tito said that Ugimba Track is the safest and most ideal track.
“There is no tribes there joining the OPM or separatists. It become the most ideal track to climb to Carstensz peak,” Tito added.
Meanwhile,Maximus Tipagau, owner of Adventure Carstensz tour agency, said that there are many interesting things in Carstensz. Among there attractions are the reversed river of Nabe that flows into an estuary in Carstensz, three salt water spring, eternal snow on the peak, six types of duck species living in the 4,800 meters above sea level, and also the koala-like animals.
Maximus recorded 300 tourists have chosen Carstensz as destinations, but there are also many who canceled their trip after travel warnings that is often issued by the embassies.
Despite of the spreading negative issues, Maximus said that many of the tourists were satisfied with the scenery offered by the summit.
“We are happy that when they [the tourists] were on top of the peak, and the ones who have access to internet instantly uploaded their videos, photos and captions. They have proven that Carstensz is safe,” Maximus added.
The trip is indeed rather costly. Around US$10,000 to US$11,000 is needed to get there.
EVIETA FADJAR
