PMA Founder Explores Custer Gallatin National Forest, Bridging Conservation in Papua and the World

From the sacred peaks of Papua to the wilderness of Montana, the founder of the Papua Mountaineering Association (PMA), Maximus Tipagau, ventured into the Custer Gallatin National Forest-one of the most iconic and biodiverse protected forest areas in the United States.

This visit is not just a cross-continental expedition. More than that, Maximus’ journey reflects the PMA's grand mission: to build bridges between culture, conservation, and community-based mountaineering. Amidst the lush pine forests and wild landscapes of Montana, the spirit of nature conservation resonates with values that are also upheld in Papua-respect, harmony, and beauty.

“Every wild place speaks the same language,” Maximus said while exploring the hiking trails in the area. “Nature teaches us to preserve, not dominate.”

As an organization actively promoting responsible mountaineering in the mountains of Papua-including the Carstensz Pyramid-PMA uses this momentum as a global learning opportunity. According to Maximus, the existence of national parks such as Custer Gallatin provides inspiration on how protected areas can be managed sustainably without neglecting the role of indigenous communities.

The Custer Gallatin area itself is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and gray wolves. Covering more than 5 million hectares, this area is a symbol of ecological resilience and American cultural heritage.

Maximus hopes this visit will open up opportunities for international collaboration between conservationists and hikers from around the world, particularly in promoting community-based conservation models in Papua. “We can all learn from each other. Because protecting the mountains is not just the responsibility of one nation, but a shared responsibility of all humanity,” he concluded. (PMA)