Jayapura – As Christmas and New Year (Nataru) approaches, security and public order in Papua are a concern for various parties. Several religious leaders and community members have appealed to all elements of society to help maintain a safe, peaceful, and conducive situation during the celebrations.
The pastor of the Indonesian Messianic Kehilat Church, Rev. Benny Karubaba, expressed his appreciation to the Central Government for the various forms of attention and assistance directly felt by the Papuan people.
According to him, government support is not only provided through religious service facilities, but also through various social assistance programs that address community needs.
“We express our gratitude to the Central Government for the various attention and assistance directly felt by the Papuan people, both through support for religious service facilities and social assistance programs such as Direct Cash Assistance (BLT), Family Hope Program (PKH), Free Nutritious Meals, and assistance for the elderly,” said Rev. Benny Karubaba.
In his Sunday service sermon at the Indonesian Messianic Kehilat Church, Rev. Benny Karubaba also offered a prayer for national leadership. He prayed for President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to be given strength and wisdom in leading the nation.
He also invited religious leaders, traditional leaders, tribal chiefs, community leaders, youth leaders, women’s leaders, and all stakeholders to work together to maintain security and stability in Papua Province, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to him, interfaith tolerance and social unity are important foundations for creating a peaceful atmosphere in Papua.
“Let’s work together to maintain security and stability in Papua Province, and maintain tolerance among each other in the lead-up to the Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he concluded.
A similar appeal was also conveyed by Lucky Mahakena, S.Sos., M.Si., Head of the Mimika Regency Community Early Warning Forum (FKDM). In his statement, Lucky Mahakena expressed his appreciation to the Carstensz Peace Operation Task Force for their achievements in maintaining security and enforcing the law in the Papua region.
“Security and peace are a shared responsibility. I urge all Papuans to maintain unity and not be easily provoked, so that a peaceful atmosphere can be maintained,” said Lucky Mahakena.
Going forward, Lucky hopes that the synergy between security forces, local governments, and the community can continue to be strengthened to ensure sustainable peace and stability in Papua, allowing the community to celebrate Christmas and New Year safely, peacefully, and together.