Exploring the Traditions of Papua Barat: My Journey to Baliem Valley

In 2007, I traveled to Papua Barat to visit the breathtaking Baliem Valley, a place where tradition remains alive and vibrant. Here, I encountered people dressed in traditional attire, including the Koteka—a phallocrypt made from a gourd, worn by the men as part of their cultural heritage. What made the experience even more special was the sense of solitude; I was virtually the only traveler there, making the journey truly unforgettable.