Central Papua, Timika - A training program for prospective guides for the Carstensz Pyramid expedition via the Tsinga Route officially began today. All participants come from Tsinga Village, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, which has long been known as one of the main gateways to the highest peak in Oceania.
On the first day of training, participants received introductory lessons on basic mountaineering. This session serves as an important initial step in building technical understanding as well as mental preparedness for the future guides, who will later accompany climbers from various countries.
Instructors explained that basic mountaineering knowledge includes an understanding of the characteristics of the Carstensz route, extreme weather conditions, and the risks commonly encountered in Papua's mountainous terrain. Participants were also engaged in discussions on the importance of safety awareness as the primary foundation of a guide's professional responsibility.
The next session focused on introducing various mountaineering equipment and their technical functions, including harnesses, carabiners, dynamic ropes, safety helmets, mountain trekking boots, and ascending and descending devices that every guide must master. Participants were given the opportunity to see, handle, and directly practice using the equipment.
According to the training coordinator, this initiative aims to enhance the quality of local human resources in Tsinga, who have long played an important role in the Carstensz climbing industry. “The young people of Tsinga have great potential. With proper training, they will not only become professional guides but also the main guardians of climbers’ safety,” he said.
The training is scheduled to run for several days with a gradual curriculum, covering rope techniques, navigation, risk management, and climbing simulations. The organizers hope that after completing the entire program, participants will be ready to work professionally and become part of a safer and more standardized Carstensz Pyramid climbing system.
This program also represents a concrete step towards empowering local communities in the mountainous regions of Central Papua, where the adventure tourism sector has shown significant growth in recent years.
