Promoting Religious Harmony in Papua, Vice President Invites PGGP to Develop a Holistic Approach

Jayapura, wapresri.go.id – Religious harmony is one of the government’s focuses in encouraging the acceleration of welfare development in the Papua region. This goal needs to be supported by multiple efforts, including creating peace and justice for the people of Papua.

For this reason, the role of religious leaders who are members of the Papuan Communion of Churches (PGPP) in Papua and West Papua Provinces is needed to develop a holistic approach to strengthening religious harmony in Papua.

“I invite PGGP, as a denominational forum for churches in the Land of Papua, to continue to develop a more holistic approach in the name of humanity, justice, peace, and integrity in the Land of Papua,” said the Vice President during a meeting with the PGGP Province Papua and West Papua, as well as the Management of the Papua Christian Center (PCC), in the 8th Floor Hall of the State Finance Building, Jl. Ahmad Yani No. 8 Gurabesi, North Jayapura District, Jayapura City, Papua Province, Tuesday (29/11/2022).

The Vice President acknowledged that the government could not work alone in solidifying religious harmony, so the role of the church and the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) is vital in maintaining stability and maintaining national unity.

“The government can not work alone. It is impossible. The government needs support, cooperation, and collaboration with the churches,” he said.

Furthermore, the Vice President revealed that November 29, 2022, would be a historic day for Christians in Papua with the establishment of the PCC. PCC is expected to take on the role of bridging stakeholders and being a government partner in planning and executing programs in the Land of Papua.

“I think this role is very strategic. Besides bridging the government and government partners, it also bridges what still needs to be unified in the vision, the steps, the thoughts whose goals are for a prosperous Papua, a peaceful Papua, a healthy Papua, and a smart Papua,” he explained.

In addition, the Vice President also hoped that the development of Papua could be encouraged through cooperation and collaboration between PGPP and PCC.

“I hope for the thought and steps from PGGP through PCC to be together in guarding this breakthrough in Papua’s development,” he said.

Closing the meeting, the Vice President congratulated the establishment of PCC and institutions that have contributed to the welfare of Papua.

“Congratulations and success on the establishment of PCC, the construction of the new GIDI El-Roy church, and the GIDI El-Roy Community Vocational Training Center (BLK) in Asei Kecil Village, East Sentani,” he concluded.

Present at the occasion were the PGGP Board of Papua and West Papua Provinces, members of FKUB, and PCC Management.

Meanwhile, the Vice President was accompanied by the Head of the Vice President Secretariat, Ahmad Erani Yustika; Special Staff of the Vice President Masduki Baidlowi, Muhammad Imam Aziz, and Robikin Emhas; as well as the Expert Team of the Vice President Nurdin Tampubolon and Johan Tedja Surya. (SM/LHS-BPMI, Setwapres)