PHOTO: Kids playing at the park’s quarters in Asiki, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua
BOVEN DIGOEL – Seven years after Asiki Indah Park was built to demonstrate Tunas Sawa Erma Group’s attention to Papuan society, the site continues to be fully-functional. Located on a plot of land in Asiki (Sub)village of Jair District, South Papua, what’s commonly known as Taman Asiki Indah aims to give local children their basic rights to play.
The only playground in the region, its presence is an oasis for younglings and communities within reach, who dream of having an accessible alternative to entertainment centers.
Granting kids the freedom to enjoy leisure and recreation is instrumental in developing their cognitive abilities and real-world knowledge, emotional and social intelligence, interpersonal and linguistic intelligence, motor and sensory intelligence, as well as skills.
This freedom is governed by Article 11 of Law 23/2002, which states that every child is “entitled to rest and make use of leisure time, socialize with peers, play, recreate and create in line with interest, talent, and level of intelligence for developing him/herself.”
Even today, Asiki Indah Park is well-managed and maintained, and remains a laid-back place for parkgoers. “It’s here to provide entertainment and recreation centers for the people,” said park manager Syarifuddin Zuhri.
It is busy during weekends and evenings, when the little ones are out with their friends. They are often seen trying playground rides or strolling around with their families.
PHOTO: Taman Asiki Indah
One of the visitors, Anna Yawan, said, “Thanks to this park, we can finally spend our free time with the kids.”
Children can enjoy various rides from swings, seesaws, to slides. Other types of attractions in this park include a gazebo, a fish pond, and a study space, where people can learn about animals and plants. Attendees can also find statues of Papua’s protected animals, such as deer and cassowary.
As a big company operating in Papua, Tunas Sawa Erma Group stands by its commitment to achieving sustainable oil palm governance by prioritizing the social aspects of local communities. (Fionny/TSE Group)
