Jayapura – A wave of demonstrations that heated up in several regions in Indonesia at the end of August 2025, resulting in loss of life and damage to public facilities, sparked concern among Papuan community leaders.
Papuan youth figure, Habelino Sawaki, called for peace and a reduction in political tensions amidst the national dynamics.
“Come on, my brothers and sisters, all elements of the nation, let’s lower political tensions and exercise restraint, while giving the nation’s leaders the opportunity to carry out their duties in accordance with the demands of the people,” said Habelino Sawaki.
Habelino emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful, cool, and calm atmosphere so that national leaders can work optimally.
“To achieve our mission, a peaceful atmosphere is needed so that the nation’s leaders can demonstrate their understanding of the national momentum of the past few days,” he said.
He also prayed that all parties would be able to exercise restraint for the sake of the nation’s integrity.
“May God give a cool heart, a calm heart, a peaceful heart for all parties, so that peace and coolness in the nation can be achieved,” concluded Habelino.
In line with this call, the Papua Mountains Province Development Care Forum emphasized its rejection of demonstrations carried out by a number of parties who reject regional government programs.
“We reject any outside party trying to control the direction of development,” stressed the Head of the Forum’s Field Coordinator, Hote Kogoya.
The Papua Mountains Province Development Care Forum is committed to overseeing accelerated development programs covering infrastructure, the people’s economy, education, and health for the welfare of the community.
Meanwhile, the Field Coordinating Secretary of the Papua Mountains Province Development Care Forum, Misier Yando Yikwarabuny, emphasized that demonstrations to criticize the government were not the right step and no such demonstrations were held.
Missionary Yando also called on all elements of society to unite and provide full support for government policies during his term of office.
Similar support also came from the Chairman of the Yahukimo Jones Militant Volunteers, Eklon Amohoso, who rejected groups that claimed to be volunteers to disrupt government stability.
“We reject groups claiming to be volunteers who attempt to disrupt the stability and smooth running of government. All aspirations should be expressed in a respectful manner and should not disrupt the administration. Militant Jones volunteers will continue to support and oversee every policy to ensure smooth development in the Papua Highlands,” said Eklon.
