The trip across the Fly River was more dangerous than going along it. In this estuary area, the Fly River is like an ocean with violent waves.

The view of Doumori is indeed quite worthy of being called heavenly. Coconut trees line the banks of the river, with green grass that marks how fertile this land is.

PNG residents are also confused about why Indonesian traders are so enthusiastic about looking for fish maw. They never ask. For them, the important thing is they get a high price, up to 10 times higher.

Their boat carried two large drums of fuel, containing 200 liters each, plus five small jerry cans. In total they brought 500 liters of gasoline. This was needed to take their boat from Merauke to an area near Daru.

For me, an Indonesian who has never gone to Merauke, hearing their story about the border regency in Indonesia is like hearing about the splendor of the New York metropolis.

In traditional society, culture and religion are so integrated. Separating what is pure custom and what is pure religion is as difficult as splitting a hair. But now, the sacred stories are no longer sacred.

It is not only Papuans who have a story of creation. The Jewish people say that Yahweh created humans from clay, similar to the Chinese story that humans came from clay dolls breathed upon by the goddess Nüwa.

Didimus had heard from Indonesian traders that Merauke had changed a lot. The traders’ stories made him nostalgic for Merauke, fantasizing about the hometown he had never seen again so that it seemed perfect in his mind