Jayapura – Religious, traditional, and community leaders in Papua continue to play a strategic role in maintaining security and social harmony ahead of the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations. This shared commitment reflects a strong spirit of unity and support for the government’s efforts to realize a peaceful, prosperous, and tolerant Papua.
Reverend Benny Karubaba, a religious leader from the Indonesian Messianic Kehilat Church, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Central Government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for the various programs that have benefited the Papuan people. He considered the government’s presence through social assistance and public services to be concrete evidence of the government’s concern for the people’s welfare.
“We express our gratitude for the government’s attention through various programs, from direct cash assistance (BLT), PKH (Family Hope Program), MBG (Special Needs Assistance Program), to assistance for the elderly.” “This assistance is very helpful and brings hope to the community,” said Rev. Benny Karubaba.
In his Sunday sermon, Rev. Benny also offered a special prayer for the President and Vice President, granting them continued strength and wisdom in leading the nation. He invited all religious leaders, traditional leaders, tribal chiefs, community leaders, youth, women, and all stakeholders to work together to maintain security, tolerance, and peace in Papua.
“As we approach Christmas and New Year 2025, let us maintain Papua as a land of peace. With unity and love, we can create a joyful and harmonious festive atmosphere,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Richard Ohee, the Traditional Leader (Ondofolo) of Waena Village, Heram District, Jayapura City, emphasized that Christmas is an important moment to strengthen community unity and togetherness. He believes the values of love and brotherhood are the main foundations for building a harmonious social life.
“Christmas reminds us that love is the foundation of every action and choice in life. This is the time for us to strengthen our brotherhood and maintain peace in Papua,” said Richard Ohee.
As part of the Christmas service, which included the Peace Village Silaturahmi (Gathering in Peace Village), assistance from the central government was also distributed to the community, especially widows and families in need. This step is seen as a concrete manifestation of the synergy between the government and indigenous communities.
Meanwhile, Lucky Mahakena, S.Sos., M.Si., Head of the Mimika Regency Community Early Warning Forum (FKDM), expressed optimism regarding the increasingly conducive security situation in Papua. He commended the professional work of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, which he said has succeeded in creating a sense of security for the community.
“With a safe and stable situation, the community can carry out social and religious activities with peace of mind. This is an important asset for welcoming Christmas with peace and joy,” said Lucky Mahakena.
He emphasized that the 2025 Christmas and New Year (Nataru) period should be an opportunity to strengthen unity, togetherness, and support for government programs for a safe, peaceful, and sustainable Papua.