West Papua is synonymous with black people and the lack of access and education. However, behind that, the island of Papua has a lot of wealth ranging from a wealth of floral, animal, cultural to rich natural resources are very abundant.
Papua is the host for the XX 2020 PON. The mascots used in the XX 20 National Olympics are two animals that are endemic to Papua, namely the paradise tree and the golden coat tree kangaroo.
Big events such as PON and other activities always use animals as mascots. Animals or other animals have more philosophical meanings of their own compared to other objects or creatures.
The kangaroo itself is known by many as an animal originating from Australia. However, West Papua also has a unique animal kangaroo. Different from the usual kangaroos, the kangaroo in Papua is a type of golden coat tree kangaroo.
While the second mascot is a parable of the bird of paradise. This bird is called the bird of paradise because this endemic bird has the elegance and beauty of its feather color which attracts the attention of other creatures.
The two mascots used for the PON activities are parables of native animals originating from Papua. The mascot is used as a symbol of unity and as the right moment to introduce and preserve endemics in Indonesia.
Knowing the Philosophy of Using Two Animals for the Mascot of PON in West Papua
To find out more about the meaning of the philosophy of using these two animals as PON XX mascots, we must also understand the animals that are there. We must first recognize that the island of Papua has very high biodiversity.
This number includes species of birds and other animals. Not a few of them are endemic birds with a natural boundary distribution that only inhabits certain areas. This endemic bird is difficult to even find in other areas.
Indonesian endemic birds are birds whose distribution is only in Indonesia. Including endemic Papua, which means that it is only spread in the Papua region. According to research, Papua is inhabited by about 650 species of birds. Wealth to be protected.
Indonesia has about 30 species of paradise, and this makes Indonesia the country with the highest number of bird of paradise species. 20 of them you can find on the island of Papua. It not only has high species richness but also has a high level of species endemism.
Of the approximately 426 bird species endemic to Indonesia, more than 50 species are confined to the island of Papua. Thus, the birds of paradise and other endemic bird species of Indonesia are endemic to Papua.
The Mantle Tree Kangaroo is an Animal Native to the Island of West Papua
The golden mantle tree kangaroo lives in almost all areas of Papua, both mainland and islands, occupying 80% of Papua’s land area as its natural habitat. Tree kangaroos live in the highlands and mountainous forest areas in Papua.
You can find tree kangaroos in Manokwari, Bintuni, Sorong, Fakfak, Waisor and Raja Ampat. In Papua, besides the mantle tree kangaroo, there are other types of tree kangaroos that have their own characteristics.
The selection of endemic animals related to the PON XX mascot was chosen because they are unique animals from the island of Papua. The meaning and symbol of choosing the animal mascot are as a biological wealth that is stored from the east.
On the head of the kongpho mascot has a hat or head covering with a triangular shape symbolizing the peak of snow in Papua. In addition, the carving of a belt that is indeed taken from Papuan clothing is a form of tradition and respect for predecessors.
The torch held by kangpho signifies the spirit to compete with sportsmanship between regions in Indonesia during the activity. The Indonesian people must uphold tolerance and the spirit of unity in the competition.
The rumba skirt used by Kangpho means that all levels of both related parties and the community warmly and warmly welcome all Olympic participants in Papua. There are so many philosophies used in the use of the mascot.
The Philosophy of the Cendrawasih Mascot as the Meaning of Unity at West Papua Olympics
Drawa is a bird of paradise who became the mascot at the Olympics. Drawa holds a torch which means the spirit of competing with sportsmanship. The Indonesian people really want a sporting match and a meaning of unity.
• Orange color on the body
The orange color on Drawa’s body means warmth, friendship, and love is addressed to all Olympic participants. This also applies to all Indonesian people to foster a sense of friendship and unity.
• Gold medal on neck
On the neck of the drawa mascot, we can see a medal necklace with a red and white string. It aims to be equally enthusiastic in the implementation of the Olympics to win the medal in the name of the unity of the Republic of Indonesia.
• Holim clothes
Koteka or holim is indeed a traditional dress of the people of West Papua. The traditional clothes used by Drawa symbolize to re-introduce the characteristics of the wealth owned by the land of Papua.
The value of friendship and unity must always be applied by all Indonesian people wherever and whenever. We must uphold the values of solidarity and unity in enlivening the XX PON in West Papua.
