Koteka-wearing College Student Seeks to Preserve Papuan Culture

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – A student of University of Cenderawasih in West Papua, Devio Basten, Tekege (21) decided to attend class on Monday, May 28, wearing koteka, the native Papuan traditional clothing with a distinctive gourd covering the male genitalia. 

Despite his pioneering decision to wear the Central Papua highlands clothing to campus, Devio, who is a sixth-semester electrical engineering student, did not feel ashamed to wear the koteka and instead said it was normal.

“A lecturer asked for permission to take a picture together but I refused,” he revealed. “[I said] with all due respect, Sir, I came to campus not as a fashion show event.” He said his intention in wearing the revealing traditional clothing was purely in respect of the Papuan culture. 

Read: Government Launches New Program for Asmat, Papua

Devio said he did not seek for attention despite his action's drawing the attention from fellow students, lecturers and employees.

“This is my plan to preserve the Papuan culture. That the koteka can be worn anytime and anywhere. Not just on special occasions, events, or activities,” he explained.

Devio went on that wearing the koteka helped him become more focused on his studies than when wearing normal clothes. He admitted his decision had perplexed some fellow students while others felt inspired. 

Read: 5 Things to Anticipate before Traveling to Papua

Devio plans to continue wearing the koteka on campus to promote the Papuan culture, which he thinks has been marginalized as it was only worn on special occassions.

TERAS.ID