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Story Publication logo November 16, 2022

Preserving the Bird of Paradise Dance, Promoting Ecotourism in Kwau Forest (bahasa Indonesia)

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The main threat to Papua's Noken craft is the continuous exploitation while plant growth is slow...

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This story excerpt was translated from bahasa Indonesia. To read the original story in full, visit Ekuatorial. You may also view the original story on the Rainforest Journalism Fund website here. Our website is available in English, Spanish, bahasa Indonesia, French, and Portuguese.



Arfak parotia bird. This bird is known for its skill in wooing females. The male will perform a series of elaborate displays to woo the female. Image by Titik Kartitiani/Ekuatorial. Indonesia, 2022.

Hans Mandacan succeeded in inviting Kwau residents to promote ecotourism rather than hunting. The results are more profitable, and forests and ecosystems are maintained.

No one knows the terrain better than the hunters. No one knows every inch of the forest better than the local Indigenous people. Hans Mandacan is a combination of both who is now the foremost guardian of the integrity of the forest and its inhabitants.


The wooden hut stands in the middle of the forest in Kwau Village, Warmare District, Manokwari Regency, West Papua Province. Hans Mandacan (39) was checking several birdwatching spots when we arrived. He was preparing a group of overseas tourists when we visited last June.

April through October is indeed a good time for observing birds of paradise, as the various birds that magnetize Kwau Village are called. An activity Hans had never imagined before when he was a hunter.


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"Previously we hunted cuar. I was also a hunter. For 15 years I regretted it very much," said Hans. Cuar is Hatam for bird of paradise feather.

Hans, who is a member of the Hatam tribe, like many people living on the edge of the forest (or even living in the forest), lives from hunting. Initially, they hunted only to feed and clothe themselves.


Hans Mandacan is shown in Papua Lorikeet. The lodge he built with the help of various parties is one of the achievements in his efforts to promote ecotourism in the Kwau forest, West Papua. Image by Titik Kartitiani/Ekuatorial. Indonesia, 2022.

A male smart bird. Image by Titik Kartitiani/Ekuatorial. Indonesia, 2022.

This Papua Lorikeet hut can accommodate a number of tourists or birdwatchers visiting Kwau forest, West Papua. Image by Titik Kartitiani/Ekuatorial. Indonesia, 2022.

A hide, or a simple birdwatching spot, where birdwatchers and enthusiasts can wait for bird of paradise sightings in the Kwau forest. Image by Titik Kartitiani/Ekuatorial. Indonesia, 2022.

A clever bird's nest found in the Kwau forest. Image by Titik Kartitiani/Ekuatorial. Indonesia, 2022.

Trekking trail to the birdwatching spot. Image by Titik Kartitiani/Ekuatorial. Indonesia, 2022.

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