Local Government of Papua to establish a 'cultural laboratory' to preserve native language.

The Papuan Government is planning to build a cultural laboratory this year as a means to preserve its diverse cultures, Antara state news agency reported Friday. Masmur Asso of the Papuan Culture and Tourism Agency said Papua was slowly losing its many various cultures because of the infiltration of foreign cultures.

“If no measures are taken to find a solution to this problem, future generations will not be able to get to know Papuan culture,” Masmur said. One way to preserve Papuan culture, he said, was to build a cultural laboratory, which would act as a library to store data and information on the many Papuan cultures.

“The laboratory would serve as a center for research, as well as a recreation spot for anyone wanting to learn more about Papuan cultures.” It is important for future generations to learn the vastly varying languages and folklores of the Papuan peoples. If younger generations are influenced by foreign cultures, it is not unforseeable that one day local languages and folklore may be forgotten and become extinct,” Masmur warned.Through the laboratory, Masmur hopes young Papuans can develop a greater appreciation for their own culture. “Foreigners have been coming here to research our culture. It’s high time Papuans themselves had more respect for their own culture.”

Source : The Archipelago