By: Loa Murib
As we approach the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year celebrations, Papua is demonstrating relatively stable security and order, a tangible result of the synergy between security forces, local governments, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and all levels of society. Papuan religious figure, Rev. Benny Karubaba from the Indonesian Messianic Kehilat Church, expressed his appreciation for the central government assistance received by the Papuan people, including through the Direct Cash Assistance (BLT), Family Hope Program (PKH), and the Multi-Group Assistance Program (MBG), and assistance for the elderly, which he believes have contributed to strengthening social stability. He also called on all religious leaders, traditional leaders, tribal chiefs, community leaders, youth, women, and relevant stakeholders to work together to maintain security, peace, and tolerance among residents. In this religious leader’s view, the active involvement of all elements of society is a crucial foundation for creating a safe and harmonious Christmas and New Year.
 
Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, emphasized that the current public order and security situation in Papua is very conducive, not only due to the work of the police, but also due to the active involvement of various elements of society, from motorcycle taxi drivers and security guards to fishermen and farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Security forces’ preparedness in dealing with potential emergencies is also continuously strengthened so that the community can celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays safely, comfortably, and peacefully.
 
This conducive situation in Papua is the result of established cross-sectoral collaboration. The Southwest Papua Regional Police, for example, have held meetings and gatherings with community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and youth leaders to strengthen public order and security. During these activities, security forces emphasized the importance of good communication and close coordination between the police and the community. The Director of Community Development at the Southwest Papua Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Muhammad Erfan, emphasized that security is not solely the responsibility of the police, but is a shared responsibility of all levels of society. This approach is expected to foster a sense of ownership and active community involvement in maintaining order.
 
Furthermore, concrete steps taken by security forces combined with social activities have proven effective in maintaining stability. The affordable food drive launched by the Southwest Papua Regional Police, for example, not only ensures food availability for the community ahead of Christmas and New Year but also strengthens kinship ties between officers and the community across sectors. This activity creates a positive atmosphere and increases community participation in maintaining social order. The Chief of the East Seram Tribe, Mustafa Fesanlauw, welcomed the security forces’ efforts but also emphasized the need for concrete implementation of the Regional Regulation concerning the distribution of alcoholic beverages to ensure its impact is truly felt by the community and does not disrupt social order.
 
The preparedness of the police, as the primary pillar of security in Papua, is also commendable. The Deputy Chief of Police emphasized that the Papua Regional Police have prepared personnel, facilities, and capabilities to deal with any contingency. Intensive patrols, coordination with local governments, and strengthening intelligence and public communication functions are key strategies in ensuring the public receives accurate information and minimizing the potential for conflict. Humanitarian measures through social gatherings, dialogue, and social activities have helped build public trust in the security forces, creating a conducive atmosphere that supports social and economic activities.
The active role of the community is another important factor in maintaining stability in Papua. The involvement of local communities, from youth and women to traditional leaders and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), demonstrates a collective awareness that security and order are a shared responsibility. The Christmas and New Year (Nataru) period provides an opportunity for all elements of society to affirm solidarity, tolerance, and concern for others. Social assistance programs and affordable food drives contribute to more equitable prosperity, thereby minimizing the potential for social friction.
However, challenges remain. The unaddressed circulation of alcoholic beverages is one issue that requires serious attention. Cross-sector coordination between security forces, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and the community is expected to produce concrete steps that are directly felt by residents. Public concern for the security situation and the security forces’ ability to respond to social dynamics are a powerful combination for maintaining a conducive situation in Papua.
 
Maintaining security in Papua ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays is not just the responsibility of the police or local government, but rather the collective responsibility of all elements of society. The involvement of traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth, women, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) demonstrates that sustainable security is essential.It requires active communication, coordination, and cooperation. This cross-sector synergy is also crucial for Papua’s social, economic, and cultural development, while demonstrating that security and peace are the result of collaborative efforts involving the entire community.
With the readiness of the authorities, public awareness, and the active support of various figures and stakeholders, Papua is ready to welcome Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 in a conducive environment. The involvement of all elements of society emphasizes that the responsibility for maintaining security does not belong to one party, but to all. This safe and orderly situation reflects the maturity of the Papuan people in maintaining harmony, tolerance, and stability, allowing the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) period to be experienced with a sense of security, comfort, and peace. A conducive Papua also demonstrates that collaboration between the government, security forces, and the community can create an environment that supports harmonious social and economic growth, as well as religious and cultural activities.
*The author is a Papuan student in East Java