One day, two of my colleagues who were placed in Ampimoi *and Ambai* and a friend who worked in the district court visited me on March 25, 2017. They decided not to tell me first and I was automatically shocked. However, I was happy because of their visit to my location. Then, they decided at night to visit our friend in Marau. We ask my foster father for help to take us all.
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Marau is a village of West Yapen District. One of my co-workers from Muara Enim was placed in this village for serving for one year. I often visit my friend because the distance between my placement village (Ansus*) and Marau was not so far. I usually went to Marau* by rowing boats or motorboats . According to local people, Marau meant 'going to the sea'.
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The next day, on Sunday afternoon, my colleagues, my adoptive father and mother, and I have been ready to go to Marau since 2 pm We crossed the shady routes and mangrove forests which were being replanted. We finally arrived at the area (Marau), which was famous for its mountain, Mount Tata at 3 pm after our boat traversed the track of mangroves for 30 minutes.
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Our friend, El Rizki Jazwan (Rizki) who was very surprised to see us advised us to put our bags in his room. We decided to take a break and eat some of the dishes. After this, Rizki invited us to visit a new art studio formed by the Marau's community. We agreed and were so enthusiastic about his invitation. We asked Rizki's adoptive mother for permission and went to the studio accompanied by some of Rizki's students.
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Marau was a village similar to villages in Java. The land was vast and the majority of houses were built on land rather than the sea. Many residents saw us so curious because my friends visited Marau for the first time. Soon, we arrived at the studio. Rizki then invited us to meet Tete (grandfather) Erens Wombaibabo, founder of an art studio in Marau. We talked with him, and then suddenly Tete Erens went into his house, and immediately showed some Papuan artworks, namely the Papuan crown, water bucket equipment, tifa, noken bags, and so on. We asked for his permission to try Marau's distinctive crown. Tete said that the crowns were given to us and we were so happy.
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We then asked about the meaning of WIWO. Tete Erens explained that WIWO meant 'share!'. Communities applied this name in order to increase their sense of sharing. He explained that the establishment of this studio was the result of community cooperation. He said hopefully the art and culture of Marau would remain eternal through this studio.
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After discussing, I took the key, then opened the studio door. There were Papuan tifas, crowns, and nokens which were hanging on the walls of the studio. We immediately put on a crown and noken, and held tifa. We took several photos with Tete Erens and children.
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Tete Erens's own experience inspired me so much. We should continue for sharing both money, knowledge, experience, and love. We hope that tete Erens would continue to share blessings and be a blessing. Amin. WIWO!
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