Appreciation for Community’s Role in Maintaining Peace Ahead of Papua’s Regional Elections
SORONG – As the 2024 Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) approach, the people of Papua are urged to maintain peace and create a conducive atmosphere to ensure the success of this democratic event. This was conveyed by the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) of Southwest Papua.
High appreciation is given to all elements of society who have played an active role in maintaining security, order, and harmony, especially amidst the cultural and religious diversity in Sorong City.
In his statement, the Chairman of FKUB Southwest Papua, Reverend Ishak Samuel Kwatolo, emphasized that the people of Southwest Papua are reminded to maintain peace and security for the creation of a dignified democratic process. This was conveyed after signing the Peaceful Pilkada declaration in Sorong City.
Reverend Ishak revealed that the implementation of a peaceful Pilkada should be the top priority for all parties. As a manifestation of dignified democracy, he said, the people of Southwest Papua need to ensure that this democratic event runs safely, peacefully, and successfully.
“We as FKUB declare our commitment to participate in creating a Peaceful Pilkada in Southwest Papua. We want the simultaneous Pilkada process in this region to take place safely, peacefully, and successfully,” said Reverend Ishak in his press statement after signing the declaration.
On that occasion, Reverend Ishak also affirmed that a Peaceful Pilkada is the hope of all religious communities in Southwest Papua. Therefore, FKUB will continue to convey messages of peace to all congregations, whether Christian, Muslim, Catholic, Hindu, or Buddhist, to jointly maintain security and order during the campaign and election period.
“We want Southwest Papua to be conducive, safe, and peaceful in implementing this simultaneous Pilkada. It is our shared responsibility to maintain peace and respect each other’s choices, even though we all have differences,” he added.
As an institution that oversees various religions, FKUB has an important task to unite the community’s commitment in realizing peace amidst diversity. Reverend Ishak emphasized that although there are differences in political choices, peace is something that must be prioritized.
“We want Southwest Papua, which is still young and continuously developing, to remain preserved in an atmosphere of peace. This is our duty as shepherds of the people to maintain security and peace for a better future for the community,” expressed Reverend Ishak.
With the joint commitment from all elements of society and religious communities, FKUB hopes that the simultaneous Pilkada in Southwest Papua can be an example for other regions in implementing a peaceful, harmonious, and tolerant democracy. All parties are expected to unite to maintain a healthy and successful democratic process in this region.
