RRI.CO.ID, Wamena - Rising 54 meters above the heart of the Baliem Valley, the Tugu Salib (Monumental Cross) Wio Silimo stands as more than just a religious landmark. It is the architectural crown of Wamena, the modern capital of the Highland Papua Province.

Built with an investment of IDR 150 billion (USD 8.78 million) and inaugurated in December 2020, the monument symbolizes the deep-rooted faith of a community that is 93.62 percent Christian.

The height of the cross, 54 meters, is a deliberate tribute to the year 1954, marking the arrival of the first missionaries to the Baliem Valley. Located at an altitude of 1,600–1,800 meters above sea level, Wamena is often called the "Refrigerator City" (Kota Kulkas) due to temperatures that frequently drop to 12–14.5°C.

Equipped with a modern elevator, the tower allows visitors to reach the summit for a panoramic view of the city. Wamena itself resembles a giant basin, surrounded by the "living fence" of the Jayawijaya mountains, with the towering Trikora Peak visible in the distance.

"This area is very beautiful because it is in the interior of the Central Highlands of Papua," said Jayawijaya Regent Atenius Murib, emphasizing that the monument represents harmony and tolerance, as quoted by Antara.

The Tugu Salib serves as the focal point for the Regent and Vice Regent Ronny Elopere’s "DANI" Program, which stands for Damai, Aman, Nyaman, dan Indah, aiming to make the city peaceful, safe, comfortable, and beautiful. As a vibrant community hub, the area becomes a popular gathering spot every evening for both youth and elders to enjoy the crisp mountain air.

In terms of tourism and economy, the monument was originally designed to boost Local Generated Revenue (PAD) and has successfully become a primary attraction for visiting state officials and tourists alike. To protect this asset, local authorities and the Indonesian Military and National Police (TNI-Polri) maintain security and cleanliness through regular patrols, ensuring the sacred site is used appropriately while urging citizens to keep the environment pristine as a reflection of their faith.

Chairman of the Jayawijaya Customary Community Institution (LMA), Herman Doga, called on all residents to protect the monument. As a beacon of hope, the lights of the Tugu Salib shine nightly, representing Wamena’s ambition to grow as a modern hub in the heart of Papua.

From the height of the Tugu Salib Wio Silimo, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Wamena as seen from the very center of the city. The monument serves as a strategic starting point for various religious activities and was designed to help increase local revenue by attracting tourists to the region.

By maintaining environmental cleanliness, the community aims to fulfill the "DANI" program, transforming Wamena into a modern and comfortable highland area. With its blend of modern facilities and spiritual significance, the tower ensures that Wamena remains a safe and beautiful destination in the Central Highlands of Papua. ***