In amazement and perhaps a little shock was what Lucy Geelen felt when she first came from the Netherlands to Papua, stopping in Timika and continuing to Agats, the capital of Asmat Regency. Amazed by the natural conditions that are still unpretentious and beautiful. Shocked because she did not expect that with environmental conditions that can be said to be remote with facilities that can be said to be very limited, the Asmat people seem "happy" and smiling. "People are happy and always put smiles on their faces, wow!" That was the first impression of Lucy who came to Papua with Florence - her sister, Francoise - her mother, and Pieter - her father. They were a group of WWF potential donors visiting and vacationing in Asmat and Cenderawasih Bay.

On October 7, 2014, in the afternoon they arrived in Agats, accompanied by Pak Benja Mambai and Klass J. Teule from WWF Indonesia and Allard Stapel from WWF Netherland, the donor group visited the WWF - Asmat site office. Hospitality, staff introductions and program explanations were the topics of conversation.

In the afternoon, they tried a new adventure, this time the event was very special. After traveling for approximately 30 minutes by motorboat, they arrived at Kampung Per and were greeted by a boat dance. By the local community, they were then invited to go up and into the Jew (Asmat traditional house) accompanied by a group of women dancing, playing Tifa and sprinkling betel lime as an expression of welcome. Inside the Jew, they discussed the activities and culture of the community. Afterwards, they stopped by to see the mangrove forest restoration site, which is part of WWF's work program in Asmat. On the way back, they made a quick stop at the art studio. On the way home, they had the opportunity to see one of the natural phenomena, namely the migration of Pelican birds.

The day's activities were closed with a relaxed atmosphere while unwinding, they saw various types and motifs of carvings from Asmat carving artists that would be exhibited at the Asmat Cultural Party. Although they did not have time to witness the Cultural Party activities because they had to continue their journey to Cenderawasih Bay. However, at least they had the opportunity to see the activities of the carvers and the rows of carved art products prepared for the opening of the Cultural Feast the next day.

The hot weather in Asmat did not matter when compared to the experiences and stories of adventure that they felt and got. One thing that can be concluded from the whole event of their visit while in Asmat, the WWF Team can present their interesting vacation adventures when enjoying all forms of natural beauty and the unique culture of the Asmat people, this is because it is Asmat, the natural conditions are still maintained as well as the indigenous people who still uphold their ancestral culture. Their appreciation is given to the WWF Indonesia team, especially the Asmat site, which continues to encourage the community and government to strive and ensure that the development process in Asmat does not override the preservation of the environment and Asmat's true culture itself. They also hope that they can be part of and contribute to the process.

(Andhiani M. Kumalasari, Photo source: Jackson Umbora, WWF Indonesia- Papua Program)