Sentani, Papua (ANTARA) – Seventy foreign tourists from various countries visited Yobeh Village in Jayapura District, Papua, on Wednesday to observe local cultural attractions, officials said.Tour coordinator Simson Nicky Muhue said the visitors first stopped at the Loka Budaya Museum at Cenderawasih University in Jayapura City before traveling to the village.“Before heading to Yobeh Village, the tourists visited the Loka Budaya Museum located within the Cenderawasih University complex,” Muhue said in Sentani.During their visit, the tourists toured the village by boat and watched residents process sago using traditional methods, offering insight into local daily life.Muhue said the visit is expected to support the local economy while helping boost Papua’s tourism sector.“We hope the arrival of tourists, especially to Yobeh Village, can increase community income and stimulate tourism development,” he said.He added that about 200 foreign tourists arrived in Papua aboard the cruise ship SH Minerva, which departed from Australia and docked at Jayapura Port on Wednesday.The group’s itinerary included cultural and educational visits aimed at introducing Papua’s traditions and natural environment to international travelers.Local authorities and tourism organizers have increasingly promoted such visits to highlight indigenous culture and encourage sustainable tourism practices.One Australian tourist, Jane Wilson, said she was pleased to return to Papua during this trip.“This is not my first time in Papua. I’m happy to be back again. Papua is very interesting, especially its culture,” she said.Tour operators said continued international visits could help strengthen Papua’s position as a niche destination for cultural tourism in Indonesia.They added that maintaining authenticity and community involvement remains key to ensuring long-term benefits for local residents.Authorities said they would continue to support similar tourism initiatives while ensuring that local traditions and environments are preserved.