Peaceful Message from Papuan Leaders: Unite to Maintain Security, Build the Future Together
By: Maria Nawipa*
The call of traditional and religious leaders resonates as a positive energy, mobilizing the community to unite to maintain security, reject provocation, and fully support government development programs. Papua is no longer simply a region with complex social dynamics, but a vital part of Indonesia’s peaceful and prosperous future. The steadfastness of local leaders emphasizes that peace is the primary foundation, while the development initiatives implemented by the government are a bridge to prosperity. Their messages serve as positive reminders that foster a spirit of unity, foster trust, and encourage the Papuan people to stand tall with the nation.
One local leader, Melkia Skeya, Chief of the Central Papua Province Tribe, delivered a straightforward appeal: urging the community to remain vigilant against provocations from third parties, to exercise caution in their mobility, especially in vulnerable areas, and to collectively maintain a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Papua for the sake of a shared future. His call fosters awareness that security is not solely the responsibility of the authorities, but rather the responsibility of all elements of society.
Complementing the call, Pastor Telius Wonda emerged as a calming voice, urging that anger not be the primary driver in responding to difficult situations. He emphasized the importance of resolving issues through legal channels, rather than emotional retaliation or taking the law into one’s own hands, as true justice can only be achieved through respect for the rules. Furthermore, he called for fostering brotherhood in Papua, not using ethnicity, religion, skin color, or any other background as a divider, but rather as a shared asset. Prayer and solidarity, he argued, are the primary bulwarks against attempts to divide, while love must prevail over hatred.
In addition to these local voices, there is also growing real support from the government and community leaders. The Acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, in a meeting with the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) and community and religious leaders, called for maintaining peace and harmony. He invited various elements of society, including students, youth, and leaders from various professions, to coordinate and refrain from provocative actions that could escalate the situation. This call was not merely symbolic: six concrete points were agreed upon, including a request that religious leaders convey a message of calm and that government officials respond persuasively, humanely, and dialogically.
In addition to security concerns, Papuan figures also expressed support for the central government’s development programs. In early September 2025, several figures in Highland Papua welcomed the central government’s launch of a 2,200-unit housing development program. The presence of the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas demonstrated a serious commitment from the central government to addressing the basic needs of the Papuan people. This support was not merely a formality, but a demonstration of trust that infrastructure development and the provision of basic facilities could bring real change to the welfare of the Papuan people.
The integration of calls for security, calls for unity, and encouragement for development is a crucial message in Papua today. They remind us that development will not proceed smoothly if the social climate is disrupted by conflict, provocation, or insecurity. Government investment in programs such as housing, nutritional support, and basic infrastructure in mountainous and remote areas is clear evidence that attention is being directed to those most in need. Support from the community and local leaders for such programs is crucial to ensuring that their benefits are felt evenly, not just in urban centers.
However, these security aspirations and development programs also face challenges. The biggest challenge is how to prevent radical voices, political provocations, or potentially divisive groups from taking over the narrative. It is also crucial that the government not only makes promises but demonstrates clear implementation, transparency, and the involvement of indigenous communities and local leaders throughout the process. A legal approach, dialogue, and cultural sensitivity must be the foundation of every policy that directly impacts the Papuan people.
Religious leaders such as Rev. Telius Wonda remind us that a mature attitude is essential, not only from the government and state institutions, but also from the community. When brotherhood and love are prioritized principles, Papuans will be more resilient to external provocations intended to divide. And when prayer, solidarity, and a sense of shared responsibility are fostered, Papua can become a peaceful, safe, and productive place to live.tive—not a space for conflict that harms our children and grandchildren.
In conclusion, the statements of traditional, religious, and community leaders to maintain security while supporting government programs are not mere rhetoric. They play a vital role in maintaining social stability, fostering unity, and creating space for inclusive development. Therefore, all parties, from the central government to residents of remote villages, have a role: security forces to carry out their duties with conscience and respect the law; the government to convey policies transparently and fairly; indigenous communities and religious leaders to act as liaisons and clarifyers in their regions; and all Papuans to reject violence, prioritize dialogue, and respect differences. Only through this togetherness can Papua grow in peace and prosperity.
*The author is a Local Journalist and Social Researcher
