The traditional woven bag of the Papuans—known as the noken—carries more significance beyond its utilitarian function. To the people of Papua, life is nothing without the noken. They take it everywhere with them, to bring back the fruits of their labor in the forest, to carry their babies and as part of traditional rituals. Above all, the noken is a symbol of unity because all Papuans, whatever their tribal origins, consider it an indispensable part of their lives. Yet, this icon of Papua life and culture is gradually disappearing. However, thanks to the efforts of a few people to preserve it, the noken is today recognized as a world cultural heritage. Tempo English reports on the efforts to preserve the noken, following the laying of the foundation stone of the first Noken Museum, in the Papua provincial capital of Jayapura last month.

Indonesia

Museums in Indonesia are in very bad and worrying condition. Out of 275 museums throughout the country, only 200 can be deemed worth the while to visit. And even those may not necessarily be able to attract visitors. Many languish and gather dust, like an abandoned ghost town. This is why the few people who make the effort to maintain and manage museums to keep history and its artifacts alive, should be given due recognition. These dedicated groups of people in different parts of the country use their talents and their personal resources to preserve their respective local heritage. On the occasion of International Museum Day on May 18, Tempo English looks at small museums on Nias Island in Sumatra and in North Maluku province.

Precious heirlooms from Nias Island

Thailand

Amid allegations that some holy men visiting the Kingdom are breaching standards of conduct, the head of Bangkok's Wat Talom says the non-Thais staying there just want to further their religious studies

The abbot of Bangkok's Wat Talom knows that the growing number of foreign monks staying there is causing disquiet in the local community, following complaints of overcrowding, soliciting cash and "improper" behaviour. Phra Maha Somnuek Chutintaro says the number of foreign monks at the temple in Phasicharoen district now totals 316, with the majority from Myanmar (160) followed by Bangladesh (60) and Cambodia (50) and the remainder from India, Vietnam and Laos.

''They are attracted by word of mouth,'' Phra Maha Somnuek said. He pointed out that many temples do not want to be responsible for foreign monks. For example, nearby Wat Liab has received only 10 of them. ''So they recommend them to Wat Talom,'' Phra Maha Somnuek said.