By: Maria Wonda *)
The shooting tragedy of two church construction workers in Kampung Air Garam, Asotipo District, Jayawijaya, is a reminder that peace and security in Papua are not only the responsibility of the authorities, but require commitment from all elements of the nation, including civil society and religious institutions. The victims, Saepudin and Rahmat Hidayat, were construction workers from Purwakarta who were helping to build the GKI Imanuel Air Garam Church Building. They were shot dead by OPM members while they were in the church project area. This incident not only caused grief, but also disturbed the sense of security in an environment that should be a symbol of peace and protection for all people.
The chairman of the GKI Baliem Yalimo Classis, Rev. Eduard Su, expressed his disappointment over the incident. According to him, there has never been an incident of violence in the church and congregation of GKI Air Garam. This incident is the first, so the government and the church are strengthening their cooperation so that the place of worship remains the safest and most peaceful place. Eduard emphasized the importance of prayer as a form of spiritual strengthening for the victim’s family as well as the hope that God will touch the hearts of the perpetrators of violence. He also suggested that the congregation reduce outdoor activities in this uncertain condition.
The head of the church construction committee who is also the Head of Air Garam Village, Yustinus Kuantapo, added that the two victims had been working since last February and were part of ten workers who were brought in specifically from West Java. The other eight had already returned to their hometowns, leaving the last two who are now victims of the shooting. The incident occurred after the casting process of the church building. When the victims were checking the pillars and one of them was playing with a cellphone, the OPM came from behind the church and opened fire.
In the midst of deep sorrow, the government and church’s response to this event actually shows the importance of synergy in maintaining order and humanity in Papua. The government through the security forces has acted quickly to secure the situation, while the church provides a spiritual approach while embracing the community to remain calm and not be provoked by the tense atmosphere.
The importance of partnership between the church and the government was also emphasized in national forums such as the 13th National Working Meeting of the Communion of Indonesian Evangelical Churches and Institutions (PGLII). In the National Working Meeting, the General Chairperson of PGLII, Rev. Dr. Robby Robert Repi, expressed his full support for the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto. PGLII believes that under Prabowo’s leadership, the Indonesian nation will continue to be directed towards justice and equitable prosperity. This commitment is not just a symbolic statement, but part of PGLII’s strategic orientation to synergize with the government in strengthening the nation, fighting for humanitarian values, and maintaining harmony within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia.
In the National Working Meeting, PGLII also conveyed concrete steps through the formation of the Papua Task Force, an initiative to provide humanitarian assistance while voicing peace and prosperity in the region that has so far been engulfed in conflict. This decision is a real form of the church’s moral responsibility towards fellow citizens, especially those who are victims of the security situation that is not yet fully stable. PGLII also emphasized the importance of fostering the younger generation through the Evangelical Generation Center as a form of long-term investment in preparing future leaders who have integrity, care, and uphold national values.
Not only that, PGLII’s decision to build its headquarters in the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN) is in line with the direction of the government’s strategic policy. This shows that the church is not only present in the spiritual dimension, but is also actively involved in national development. The willingness to place a symbol of the presence of the church institution in the new center of government shows trust and support for the vision of equitable development initiated by the government.
This harmony between church and state cannot be seen as something merely formal. In fact, this kind of synergy can strengthen the nation’s resilience against various threats, both from outside and from within. When violent actors try to create fear and division, solidarity between religious institutions and the government becomes a moral force that can maintain the integrity of the nation. The church, through its various organizations and networks, has a strategic role in maintaining peace and encouraging society not to get caught up in the cycle of violence.
Acts of violence such as those in Air Garam must not be allowed to become the dominant narrative of Papua. The government continues to work to provide a sense of security in vulnerable areas, but success requires active participation from all parties. Not only the authorities, but also religious figures, traditional leaders, and the wider community need to take part in creating a peaceful ecosystem.
Support for the government is a form of active participation to strengthen the direction of development that is already on the right track. As emphasized by PGLII, no one can walk alone in building a nation. Cross-sectoral collaboration is the key to realizing real social justice and peace for all Indonesian people, including in areas that have been facing complex challenges such as Papua.
*) Social Observer from Papua Mountains
