By: Melkias Wanimbo )*
Papua hosted the International Prayer and Evangelism Conference, Ignite the Fire 2025, which took place from July 1–5, 2025. The event brought together thousands of spiritual leaders and Christians from within and outside the country, making Papua a hub for prayer, worship, and intergenerational mission collaboration. Over the course of five days, the conference demonstrated Papua’s increasingly strategic role, not only within the global spiritual movement but also within the national narrative that prioritizes diversity, unity, and inclusive development.
The presence of church leaders from various parts of the world strengthened Papua’s strategic position on the global spiritual map. The General Chairman of the Communion of Indonesian Evangelical Churches and Institutions (PGLII), Rev. Tommy Lengkong, emphasized the importance of making Papua the starting point for a wave of prayer that inspires the nations. The theme “From Papua for the Nations” is not just a slogan, but a narrative built concretely through the active participation of all groups.
This momentum included prayers and concrete support for President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, which is seen as carrying out a significant mandate to lead Indonesia, including Papua, toward progress. In his prayer, Rev. Tommy Lengkong expressed his hope that the President would continue to be granted wisdom, especially in implementing priority programs such as the development of the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) and the Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG). Rev. Tommy believes these programs are crucial not only at the national level but also for Papua, which continues to face challenges in equal access and quality of life. The MBG, in particular, is seen as capable of bringing real change to Papua’s younger generation, ensuring that children not only attend school but also grow up healthy, strong, and ready to build for the future.
Papua is now emerging as a center of spiritual revival with global reach. Prayer houses and prayer towers in various cities across Papua have become part of a national network connected to the international prayer movement. In fact, Papua has led four Global Days of Prayer, a milestone that confirms the region’s potential not only in natural resources but also in its extraordinary spiritual energy. In this context, support for Papua’s development must be understood not solely in the form of infrastructure, but also in strengthening the character, faith, and social roles of its people.
Support from figures such as Mark Beliles, a spiritual leader from the United States, who is also the Founder/President of the Global Transformation Network and the American Transformation Company, further strengthens the moral legitimacy of the current national policy direction. In his prayers, Beliles expressed his hope that President Prabowo and all levels of government would be given clear understanding and the ability to lead the nation in a healthy manner. These prayers, accompanied by applause and simultaneous “amen”s from thousands of participants, created an atmosphere of international recognition that Indonesia, and Papua in particular, is on a path of transformation worthy of support.
The celebration of Indonesia’s National Prayer Day on July 5th, held at the Papua stadium, culminated in a collective awareness that national transformation begins with spiritual strength. Activities involving children and families from morning to night demonstrated the active involvement of Papua’s young generation in the grand mission of nation-building. When government programs such as the MBG (Indonesian Youth Movement) and the development of the new capital city (IKN) find space in international spiritual discussions, it signals that public policy does not operate in isolation, but is supported by moral and social forces growing from below.
This conference also demonstrates that Papua is a key player in shaping Indonesia’s future. Through active involvement in national and global prayer networks, Papua demonstrates its capacity to lead, inspire, and serve as a role model. In the context of national development, this reinforces the narrative that support for the government comes not only from the political elite, but also from the spiritual community and the international community, who recognize Indonesia’s commitment to development from the periphery.
The successful holding of this international conference in Papua demonstrates the government’s ability to create a safe, conducive, and organized space. It also reflects the government’s approach, which emphasizes not only physical development but also social, cultural, and spiritual development. When Papua is given space to speak and lead, its sense of belonging to the nation will grow stronger, making the region an equal partner in Indonesia’s journey towards an inclusive and prosperous future.
From Papua, voices of prayer and hope are raised for the entire community. From Papua, too, moral and spiritual support for national leadership is strengthened. And from this blessed land, the awakening of the younger generation, families, and the entire community is underway. In this spirit, the government must continue to be present, listen, and act alongside the Papuan people, so that every program implemented not only achieves its targets but also touches hearts and builds trust. Because developing Papua is not simply about regional development, but about elevating dignity, affirming its role, and establishing Papua as a vital part of the great calling of the Indonesian nation.
)* Papuan Socio-Religious Observer