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Once deserted, Skouw border post now a tourist attraction
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Skouw Mabo village leader Yans S. Mallo Ryamizard declares Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu a native son by placing a traditional Papuan hat on his head in a ceremony in Skouw-Wutung, Jayapura, Papua. (JP/Nethy Dharma Somba)
Thousands of residents have flocked to the newly revamped Skouw border post, just outside Jayapura, Papua.
Once only a modest fence separating Indonesia with Papua New Guinea, the border post is now a large building decorated with Papuan art and Indonesia’s national symbol of Garuda.
Since the reconstruction of the border post was completed in February, the number of residents who visit the post continues to increase.
“If during week days there are only hundreds of visitors, they multiple to thousands during Saturdays and Sundays. Their vehicles pack the road sides,” says Army Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 122 Tombak Sakti chief Lt. Col. Sigit Sugiharto, on Sunday.
Beside Indonesians, Papua New Guineans also visited the border post that also has a market every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The scenery at the border post has dramatically changed since the reconstruction.
“The atmosphere is very different than two years ago. There used to be a fence as high as an adult. Now it’s much higher and grander, but there are also other things that attract people to visit. It’s no longer scary,” said Aronggear, a Jayapura resident who came with his wife and grandchildren.
People like to take pictures in front of the Garuda statue in front of the building.
The post, which was inaugurated by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on May 9, has also dealt with immigration activities. (wit)
