By: Franky *)
Religion issues oftentimes become a very familiar issue that used to disintegrate the society and create a conflict between the citizens. Besides, in every religions never be taught an antagonistic attitude among humankind. Every religion teaches people to have a better live and love each other. But, in nowadays fact, any problems that occur in Indonesia always associate with religious issues that gave rise to hostility among religious people. Observing these conditions, an interesting lesson from East Indonesia, precisely in Papua appear to provide a role models and examples of factual and ethical ways of living together within the framework of multi-cultural and multi-faith in this country by promoting humanistic approach in the way of looking at existence together.
Patipi as one of the regions in Fakfak, Patipi bay, which is one of the districts in Fakfak with the capital district Patipi Kampung Pasir have a culture that is very interesting and the majority of the people embrace three major religions, those are Islam, Protestantism and Catholicism. Patipi Gulf people living in the consortium since ancient family relationships which are built into the frame and religious customs. Living habits of mutual respect has been practiced since long time ago. Religious festivities like the big day Islam and Christianity are often performed in the Gulf Patipi, Fakfak. Muslim-majority villages are often invited to the celebration of Christmas and vice versa, Christian communities are often invited by families who celebrate Eid. Inter-religious cooperation is also seen when the construction of houses of worship and other public facilities conducted by the mutual assistance based on the values of togetherness and family are upheld. Indeed, the harmony of life arises on the basis of mutual awareness and respect for the Fakfak society already in family life different faiths and maintained since the time of the ancestors.
The life of Fakfak people in the frame of religious harmony is created with the philosophy of life that is often heard as “One Furnace Three Stones”. “One Furnace, Three Stones” is a term that describes the philosophy of balance is like a furnace, which is supported by three stone when cooking food in the ancients. Without the three legs of stone, the furnace will not be stable and the food will spill. Three feet of stone are described as the three great religions that are in the consortium, namely Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism. Based on what Fakfak person’s belief, if the three legs of stone are stable then all the problems can be overcome with good, so that the implementation of the philosophy of “One Furnace, Three Stones” spread down into the family life of indigenous people in Fakfak. Fakfaks’ government also made the philosophy of “One Furnace, Three Stones” as one of the main capitals to build harmony with Fakfak People. In the philosophy there are elements agreed, that as a brother should be one heart. When the heart is united, no force whatsoever that is able to fight.
Freedom of religion is highly valued by the Fakfak people. Often time we meet the handover of children in the family to one religion, for example Mr. Yonas has three boys, the first Protestant child, second child handed over to his immediate family were Catholic and the third child handed over to his immediate family were Moslem, so in Yonas own family consists of three religions. In the implementation of the dominance of government also no more than one religion to another religion. This is Fakfak unique compared to other regions in Indonesia. In such diversity, not conflicts and faith disputes which led to clashes between religious communities. Participants choose a religion without coercion and mutual respect of each option. That thing is not negotiable since the time of Fakfak person’s ancestors. Understanding “One Furnace, Three Stones” can unite religious plurality in Fakfak so no dominances that causes jealousy and leads to schism.
The life philosophy of Fakfak should be a reflection of the Indonesian nation alive today because of religious issues is always used as an issue of creating inter-religious hostility particularly religious Muslim and Christian religious communities. In development, exploiting the religious issues also began to emerge in Papua society where every problem started in relation with religious issues. The seeds of these issues arise in the area of Papua with increasing number of developments that occurred in the region of Papua, both in the political, social and development. Tribal conflicts, and other youths began to grab the issue of religion by certain parties who want chaos in Papua. In fact, the trigger of conflict only certain elements that were never raised the question of religion.
Therefore, the Papuan people should have to constantly strive to maintain religious harmony that has been well maintained so as not to be exploited by certain parties who want to disturb security and order situation in Papua. It also needs to be done in order to prevent the development of potential conflict triggered by the religious issues that may be lessons for other regions in Indonesia harmony of religious life in the consortium should be a reflection of all parties regarding the unity and freedom in religious life. It becomes learning not only for the people of Papua in general, but rather a matter of reflection for all Indonesian citizens, especially for all those who are always touting religious issues with the understanding that very narrow. Not a problem my religion what and your religious right, but we all still a brother in the frame of “NKRI”.
Religious harmony is difficult to be created, but still possible to achieve. Even to maintain the harmony also requires a great struggle and sacrifice by all parties. Sectorial ego, mutual suspicion, and a narrow understanding of religion needs to be pressed by each individual to maintain religious harmony that existed long ago. A simple philosophy of pearl on the eastern horizon became the muse of all parties to re-assess themselves each in fostering religious harmony. Undoubtedly, Papua and Indonesia will be free from religious conflicts will even be a reflection of inter-religious harmony to the world
*) The Author Is Papua Regional Contributor