📍 Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid), Papua
📅 April 20, 2014
With Maximus Tipagau, a Native Son of Papua and Guardian of Indonesia's Rooftop
The footsteps of a national leader and a local pioneer converged at the highest point of Papua. Inspector General Drs. M. Tito Karnavian, then Chief of Papua Regional Police, made a historic visit to Carstensz Pyramid - Indonesia's highest peak and the only snow-covered mountain in the tropical world. This visit marked a crucial moment in building synergy between state security institutions and local tourism actors in Papua.
Accompanying the Papua Police Chief on this expedition was Maximus Tipagau, founder of Adventure Carstensz, a professional climbing operator and native Papuan who has long championed eco-tourism and mountaineering in the Jayawijaya Highlands.
From Sky to Summit: Access by Air
The visit was carried out by helicopter, with the delegation flying through clouds and extreme weather toward the Lake Valley area - the main gateway to Carstensz Pyramid. This method was chosen for safety and efficiency, given the region's challenging geography and the extreme terrain that would otherwise require days of trekking.
The visit was carried out by helicopter, with the delegation flying through clouds and extreme weather toward the Lake Valley area - the main gateway to Carstensz Pyramid. This method was chosen for safety and efficiency, given the region's challenging geography and the extreme terrain that would otherwise require days of trekking.
A Symbol of Care and Respect for Papua
This visit by Inspector General Tito Karnavian was not merely symbolic - it demonstrated the state's presence in remote and often overlooked regions. During the visit, the delegation also assessed regional security preparedness and stability, especially in areas that serve as strategic routes and renowned global mountaineering destinations.
At the same time, Maximus's involvement in the expedition showcased the capability and essential role of local actors in delivering globally competitive tourism experiences. Under his leadership, Adventure Carstensz has become a bridge between international mountaineers and the cultural wisdom of Papua.
A Summit of Synergy: Security Meets Conservation
The visit to Carstensz Pyramid represented a meaningful intersection of national security duties and the local community's role in conservation and ecotourism development. It stands as evidence that Papua is not only rich in natural resources, but also home to powerful values of unity and resilience upheld by its people.
The Papua Mountaineering Association records this moment as a key milestone in the evolution of Papua's mountain tourism - a time when the state was present, local leaders led the way, and the world bore witness.
