By: Yohanes Wandikbo )*
 
As the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year (Nataru) celebrations approach, Papua is once again in the national spotlight. This is not due to conflict or unrest, but rather due to the consistency of various elements of the nation in maintaining security and public order. Amidst increased citizen mobility, religious activities, and year-end social dynamics, Papua is showing a growing maturity in maintaining peace. This conducive situation did not emerge overnight, but is the result of collective work between the government, security forces, traditional leaders, religious leaders, community organizations, and the wider community.
 
A representative of the Indonesian Messianic Kehilat Church, Rev. Benny Karubaba, expressed his appreciation for the government’s programs, which have been directly felt by the community and urged all stakeholders to maintain tolerance and peace ahead of Christmas and New Year. Prayers and moral appeals from religious leaders serve as a spiritual foundation that strengthens the state’s efforts to keep Papua safe and peaceful. ¬†
The Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, emphasized that the current security and public order situation in Papua is very conducive due to cross-stakeholder collaboration. The involvement of motorcycle taxi drivers, security guards, fishermen, farmers, community communication organizations, MSMEs, and social volunteers demonstrates that security is not solely the responsibility of the authorities, but rather the result of the mutual cooperation of all residents. This participatory security model is a unique Papuan strength that deserves appreciation and ongoing maintenance.
 
Similar optimism was also expressed ahead of the peak of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The readiness of the authorities to face various contingencies indicates that the state is present with a professional and measured approach. However, more importantly, the moral message conveyed is that ideal security is created when the preparedness of the authorities goes hand in hand with public awareness. This approach strengthens the sense of security without creating tension, while simultaneously fostering public trust in government security policies.
 
In West Papua, strengthening synergy is also being realized through a humanistic approach. The West Papua Police Chief, Inspector General Po. Johnny Eddizon Isir emphasized the importance of community organizations as strategic partners with the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in maintaining public order and security. The meeting between the West Papua Regional Police and community organizations across West Papua was not merely a ceremonial event, but a platform for social consolidation to strengthen unity ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays (Nataru). Appreciation for the contributions of community organizations demonstrates the state’s recognition of the power of civil society in maintaining regional stability.
The National Police’s open stance, coupled with its recognition of the need for internal evaluation, also strengthens the institution’s legitimacy in the public eye. The commitment to continuously improve services and encourage the public to play an active role in oversight reflects the spirit of ongoing reform. In the Papuan context, this approach is highly relevant because it positions the public as subjects, not objects, in security development.
In Central Papua, the Mimika Regency Government took a strategic step by reminding the public not to be easily provoked by hoaxes. Mimika Regent Johannes Rettob emphasized that false information has the potential to create unrest and undermine the conducive situation that has been established. This warning is crucial in the digital era, when social media often becomes a fertile ground for the spread of disinformation. The firm stance of the local government, supported by the police, demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting public space from divisive narratives.
Efforts to maintain stability have also received strong support from legislative elements and community leaders. The call by the Head of the Mimika Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRK), Primus Natikapereyau, to end the conflict and maintain Mimika as a land of peace emphasized that problem solving must prioritize law, dialogue, and the values of brotherhood. This message aligns with the Christmas spirit, which upholds peace and love, while also strengthening optimism for the new year.
Civil society support was further evident through the peace declaration held in Manokwari. The Chairman of the West Papua Regional Leadership Council (DPD) of the Love Indonesia Movement (GERCIN), Napoleon Fakdawer, emphasized that the success of securing Christmas and New Year’s Eve depends not only on the authorities, but also on the discipline and active participation of the community. The call to avoid alcohol, firecrackers, and anarchic acts reflects growing social maturity. The peace declaration symbolizes collective awareness that security is a shared need.
 
From a traditional perspective, the message of peace is also consistently echoed. Adrian Worengga, Chairman of the Papuan Traditional Council of the Wondama Bay Region, urged indigenous communities to maintain order ahead of International Human Rights Day, Christmas, and New Year. The emphasis on the values of humanity, brotherhood, and human dignity demonstrates that customs and traditionsThe efforts to maintain social stability are aligned. Papua is presented as a land of civilization that upholds tolerance and togetherness.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Sentani Traditional Leader Seppy Ibo, who emphasized the importance of traditional involvement in resolving social issues. Collaboration between officials and traditional structures is key to maintaining harmony, especially in areas with strong local wisdom. The call to maintain public order and security was also reinforced by traditional leaders and Sentani youth as a form of moral responsibility to welcome Christmas with joy.
The synergy between security forces, local government, traditional leaders, religious leaders, community organizations, and grassroots communities forms a strong network of vigilance and social awareness. This is Papua, a land of peace, nurtured together through dialogue, trust, and mutual cooperation. With the strength of this collaboration between the nation’s elements, Papua is not only ready to welcome Christmas and New Year safely and orderly, but also conveys a message of optimism that stability and peace can be achieved when all components of the nation work in harmony to protect our common home.
)* The author is an observer of development and social issues in Papua