Tears welled up in Yuyun Yunita’s eyes as she gazed at the array of Sinagi Papua products she had crafted, now proudly displayed at the Doberai Lounge and Gallery, located in the departure terminal of DEO (Domine Eduard Osok) Airport in Sorong.
“This has been my dream for so long. I’m truly speechless,” said Yuyun.
And she wasn’t alone. Emotion filled the heart of Jhony Weinard, owner of Pauwbili, a local business producing sago noodles. What was once a humble staple, often overlooked, now stood with pride and elegance in a world-class airport display.
“The biggest challenge for many Indigenous Papuan entrepreneurs is a lack of confidence. It’s just sago, from the garden, from our own kitchens, we think. But now, in this gallery, we see with our own eyes: our local products are worthy impressive, even.”
Monday, June 23, 2025, marked a turning point—a day when the long-held dreams of Indigenous Papuans found both a home and a stage in Doberai Lounge & Gallery. More than just an exhibition space, this venue stands as a symbol of courage, confidence, and self-expression in its most authentic forms: through taste, appearance, and storytelling.
The land of Papua captivates not only with its forests and seas, but also with the pulse of Indigenous life, rich in wisdom and creativity. Now, anyone landing at DEO Airport in Sorong will be greeted with this proud portrait of local identity through the presence of Doberai Lounge & Gallery.
An initiative of the EcoNusa Foundation, Doberai Lounge is a space where the world meets Papua, where dreams meet reality. Positioned at the gateway to Raja Ampat and other parts of Eastern Indonesia, the lounge offers travelers their first taste of authentic and meaningful experiences, directly crafted by Indigenous hands.
Over 50 curated products from MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) across South Sorong, Tambrauw, Fakfak, Manokwari, Merauke, Jayapura, and Raja Ampat are presented with visual and narrative care. Each item displayed tells a story of family, ancestral lands, oceans, gardens, and cultural resilience.
The Doberai Lounge delights not just the eyes, but also the palate. Traditional Papuan dishes such as mashed taro, sinole, sago noodles, and smoked fish are made from local ingredients, lovingly prepared by skilled hands that carry generations of knowledge. The culinary offerings are more than just delicious, they convey a message: tradition is alive, nourishing, and a source of pride.
For the Indigenous communities, this is more than just a display. Paulus Sapisa, Chair of the Moi Customary Council, described the opening of the lounge as a long-awaited moment.
“We’ve dreamed for so long about how our forests, our seas, our stories, and our skills could be known and appreciated by all. And today, that dream has come true,” he said with heartfelt gratitude.
The Provincial Government of Southwest Papua warmly welcomed this initiative. Suardi Tamal, Head of the Office of Cooperatives, MSMEs, Industry, and Trade, called the collaboration between NGOs, Indigenous communities, and the government an ideal model of culture-based development.
“This is the kind of collaboration we must continue to nurture. The government will keep supporting the growth of Indigenous MSMEs,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Kelly Kambu, Head of the Environment and Forestry Department of Southwest Papua, saw the lounge as a beacon of renewed hope for Indigenous Papuans (OAP).
“Many of our people have long lost hope. But today, we’ve found it again,” Kelly shared sincerely.
EcoNusa CEO, Bustar Maitar, explained that the Doberai Lounge is a gathering space for Indigenous products. “Every story, every natural product from our forests and oceans, can be presented and appreciated here,” he said.
“At Doberai, Indigenous stories are honored. It’s not just about the products. It’s about culture and identity,” he emphasized.
With the spirit of “Your Papuan Experience Starts Here,” Doberai Lounge & Gallery offers a holistic introduction to Papua not merely as a travel destination, but as a living space, lovingly protected, wisely inhabited, and proudly shared with the world.
Behind every package lies a dream. Behind every taste, a story. And with every step taken through this lounge, a footprint of hope grows for a sovereign and sustainable future for Papua.
