By: Yohanes Wandikbo )*
The commemoration of World Human Rights Day (HAM) on December 10th each year always serves as a time for reflection for the nation to ensure that humanitarian values are truly lived out in everyday life. The global theme for 2025, “HAM, Our Daily Essential Needs,” reminds us that the right to life, education, and security is not merely a moral principle, but a foundation that supports societal well-being. In Papua, this reflection feels even more relevant as people approach the joyous season leading up to Christmas and New Year, two moments always marked by hopes for peace and togetherness.
In such an atmosphere, various local figures in Papua have voiced a crucial consensus that security stability is a primary prerequisite for the public to enjoy these basic rights. Jhon Maurits Suebu, Chairman of the Sentani United Prosperity Association in Jayapura Regency, emphasized that the public must remain vigilant against those attempting to exploit Human Rights Day to incite tension. He argued that such provocative efforts would only disrupt public order and disrupt Christmas preparations, which should be a peaceful time for residents. He encouraged the public to strengthen solidarity with security forces as a form of collective responsibility to maintain regional peace.
A similar appeal came from the oldest tribal chief of Jayawijaya, Naligi Kurisi, who reminded the Christian community in the Papuan mountains that December holds strong spiritual significance. In his view, the community should focus on preparing for worship and religious activities, rather than following the calls of groups seeking to incite anxiety. He expressed his readiness to support security forces, as he believes order is the foundation for the community to celebrate Christmas peacefully and without the burden of anxiety.
In Paniai Regency, a voice of wisdom also came from Bibida District Head Jairus Zonggonau, who urged all elements of society to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, especially in the lead-up to the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year celebrations. He believed that December should be a month of strengthening unity, not a space for actions that could potentially cause harm. He also alluded to certain groups attempting to exploit the momentum of Human Rights Day following the events of the previous few days in Paniai. However, he emphasized that regional leaders had committed to preventing demonstrations that could disrupt peace. For him, respecting the Christmas atmosphere is a form of respect for the humanitarian values that are at the heart of Human Rights Day commemorations.
A similar view was expressed by the Head of the Puncak Classis, Theis Wonda, who assessed that peace during December is not only important from a religious perspective but also as a form of respect for human dignity. He emphasized the need for the public to be wise in responding to circulating information, especially during Human Rights Day commemorations, which are often used as a platform for the spread of provocative opinions. He believes strengthening the role of youth and community leaders is crucial to maintaining a conducive atmosphere throughout Puncak Regency.
Meanwhile, in Jayapura City, Fran Reynould Thejo, Chairman of the Papuan Youth Presidium for the Tabi Region, emphasized that the commemoration of Human Rights Day should not be seen merely as a ceremonial event, but rather as a moment of introspection to strengthen a shared commitment to a safe and dignified life. He invited youth, students, traditional leaders, church leaders, and community groups to use December 10th as a reaffirmation of the values of brotherhood. He also emphasized the importance of supporting security forces to ensure a joyful and uninterrupted Christmas and New Year celebration.
All of these appeals demonstrate a collective awareness that respect for human rights in Papua depends not only on legal instruments and government policies, but also on the community’s commitment to maintaining security, unity, and social balance. The central and regional governments have implemented various affirmative measures to strengthen human rights protection, from increasing state presence in basic services, expanding access to education and healthcare, to strengthening dialogue with traditional leaders and community groups. However, the success of these measures is largely determined by the active contribution of the community in maintaining stability and preventing provocation.
This year’s World Human Rights Day should be understood as a call to revitalize humanitarian values in everyday life. In Papua, this means respecting the community’s right to worship, gather peacefully, live without fear, and enjoy spiritual moments at the end of the year. The collective awareness fostered by local leaders demonstrates that protecting human rights is not solely the responsibility of state officials, but also a cultural commitment of the Papuan people, who uphold the values of harmony and brotherhood.
Ultimately, the commemoration of World Human Rights Day provides an opportunity for all elements of the nation to reaffirm their commitment to maintaining Papua as a land of peace. Public support for the government’s efforts to maintain security demonstrates that Papua has great potential to continue moving forward as a harmonious, prosperous, and hopeful region. By embracing humanitarian values as our primary guiding principle, Papua can enter the new year with optimism and a shared determination to create a better future for all its citizens.
)* The author is an observer of Papuan development
