Knasaimos Indigenous Community Invites Mitra BUMMA to “Menoken” on BUMMA Initiative
By: Makawaru da Cunha
Source: PAPUAINSIDE.IDPAPUAINSIDE.ID, JAYAPURA— Following his participation in the Namblong BUMMA General Meeting of Shareholders (RUPS) in Jayapura in February 2026, Knasaimos Tribal Chief Frederik Sagisolo initiated discussions with tribal elders and customary leaders to explore the development of a BUMMA (Indigenous Community-Owned Enterprise) within the Knasaimos Indigenous community.
Inspired by the experience in Namblong, the Knasaimos Indigenous community invited Mitra BUMMA, which has been supporting the BUMMA initiative in Namblong, to facilitate a Menoken dialogue in Knasaimos.
Mitra BUMMA welcomed the invitation and joined the community for the first Menoken session—an initial dialogue designed to build mutual understanding, transparency, and trust among community members. These principles are reflected in the philosophy of the Noken, a traditional Papuan woven bag that symbolizes unity, collective responsibility, and shared commitment.
The first Menoken dialogue was held on 17 March 2026 at the DPMA Secretariat in Tofot Village, Knasaimos, South Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua Province. The discussion was attended by Mitra BUMMA CEO A. Ruwindrijarto, Lead Strategy Abdon Nababan, and Bahrul "Oge" Septian, a Mitra BUMMA team member based in the Maybrat region and Nokener Domberai.
The Menoken dialogue marked the first step in listening directly to the aspirations, ideas, and expectations of the Knasaimos Indigenous community regarding the sustainable management of their customary territory through the establishment of a BUMMA.
Participants included key customary leaders and stakeholders from the Knasaimos community, including Sembre Tribal Chief Ofisreget, Knasaimos customary leader Arkilaus Kladit, Agus, advisor to the Indigenous Peoples Council (DPMA), members of the customary council, and other representatives of the Knasaimos Indigenous community.
The discussion was conducted in an open and collaborative atmosphere, focusing on strengthening community self-reliance through the sustainable management of local resources and the development of customary-based economic enterprises.
During the dialogue, Mitra BUMMA emphasized the importance of meaningful community participation throughout every stage of planning and decision-making to ensure that the future BUMMA is owned, governed, and managed by the Indigenous community itself.
Community members also expressed their hope that the establishment of a BUMMA will create sustainable economic opportunities, strengthen local livelihoods, and contribute to the long-term well-being of the Knasaimos Indigenous community.
