Talking about the easternmost region of Indonesia, most people will remember how vast and beautiful the place is. To make it even better, some of the areas are designated to suffice tourism needs. It happens in many villages in West Papua. The Kaimana regency has started to put Namatota as one of the rising stars of tourism. Here are the details.
What Do They Offer?
1. A Tourism Village With Rich History
Even though there are so many tourism spots that highlight their natural beauty, Namatota also offers historical sites. Nematoda is a charming coastal area with a rich history of Papua monarchy. The village has a long history of the Namatota kingdom or also known by the name of Kowiai Kingdom.
The historical monarchs are indicated from the village’s vast spread that covers Onin and Bomberai Straits. The two locations were known as the origin of the kingdom. Diver to many other kingdoms, the Papuan monarch lived in the Royal house or also known as the customary house. That was where the monarch led the kingdom.
To accentuate the historical aspect of the village, the Customary houses stay intact. The current Royal house has been turned into a museum, which showcases the inherited accessories of the West Papua Namatota royal leaders. Other than that, the village also has a royal family cemetery around the royal house and mosque as one of many historical sites.
2. The Natural Beauty
As one of the famous places in Papua, the village also has natural beauty as part of the tourist attraction. Namatota is located at the intersection border of two rich bays in the areas, they are adjacent to Bicari bay and Triton Bay. It makes the village surrounded by huge marine biodiversity including ranges of fishes and coral ecosystem.
It is also worth mentioning that the sea life is also as rich as the Raja Ampat. All goes to the connected genetics of marine life. Eco-tourism in Namatota is also supported by so many other natural sites. It has attractive beaches, Sangnus Worait with its white and calm sea. There is also a vast range of beaches and clean water to enjoy.
3. Tourist Facilities
To complete the whole tourism situation, the local ecotourism also includes tourist facilities development. The local government and the West Papua community have been providing a range of facilities, including homestays, assistance, a tourism office, and many more. Along with the culture and amazing nature, the place has been thriving to compete as a tourism spot.
How To Reach The Location?
Located in a strategic spot, the Namatota village is pretty close to the central city (Kaimana). Tourists can reach the place by boat or use Bodi with locals, for about a one-hour trip from the Kaimana. Visitors can also reach the village by speedboat with a 30-45 minutes trip from Kaimana harbor. During the trip, tourists can enjoy the clear seawater and marine life.
Ranges Of Collaborative Development On Going
To pump up the population of Namatota as an ecotourism village, the local community and government have been doing so many expansions. Sandiaga Uno as the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy also amazed with the tourism potential and natural beauty of Namatota. Many can say that Namatota is one of the hidden gems in West Papua.
Unfortunately, there are several issues that the local authority needs to solve. One of them is the problem of communication connectivity. It is best if the telecommunication provider can reach the village and provide a better communication situation. The minister points out Tower Bersama Group and Telkomsel to make investments in the village.
The essential tourism development on the Namatota also goes to the fact that the village is located in a strategic position on Triton Bay. As an eco-tourism village, Namatota also has a royal authoritative influence. It makes the place one of the best places for future investment. It includes investment work around the conservation of eco-tourism development.
Some of the investors include Kompak Landasan Program and the Village empowerment office for capacity building and village enterprise. There is also an environmental defense fund and conservation international to invest in fisheries sustainability. And lastly is the tourism office and the EcoNusa Foundation to make a collaborative effort for ecotourism.
West Papua development and community are to build the tourism village model. Each sector will also back up each other, so it can provide sufficient supplies. Some local building institutions and support include Homestay demand, Village tourism activities, hospitality, packages, and telecommunication services.
Namatota might be one of many villages you can find in the conservation province. The village is currently trying to rise as a tourism spot. It also tries to compete in village tourism competitions. That is why many collaborative developments are going on to maximize the potential of the natural beauty, facilities, and historical tourism spots in Namatota.
