Biar Kami Saja Jual Pinang (Let us Sell Areca Nuts!)

Chewing areca nuts is a traditional pastime for the people of Wamena despite the fact that there are no areca trees in the town. Many women vendors sell areca, which are transported from Jayapura. These vendors are now experiencing tough competition from new vendors who have moved to Wamena. The Wamena vendors sell their goods outdoors while the new vendors display areca in shops, where the nuts seem cleaner and fresher.