Christianity in Indonesia has now spread to numerous locations, including West Papua. Christianity in West Papua’s population accounts for 62% of the overall population. Islam was the first to arrive in West Papua before Christianity.
Nonetheless, the locals truly believed in there and follow a religion of their ancestors. However, how did Christian history enter Papua, particularly West Papua? This article will look at how the majority of West Papuans may accept Christians.
History Christianity entered Papua
Carl Wilhelm Ottouw and Johann Gottlob Geissler, two German missionaries, were instrumental of Christianity in Papua. They are teaching Christianity to the people of the island of Numfor for the first time. Numfor Island is located in East Papua, often known as Papua.
When Ottouw and Geissler arrived to the island, they made a proposal to the Dutch East Indies to collaborate. The proposal’s content is to request the establishment of plantations in the Kebar and Tembrauw districts, where employees will eventually be introduced to the gospel.
The journey of two missionaries, who propagated the gospel, set the way for the establishment of Dutch East Indies government missions in Manokwari and Fakfak in 1898. Although the local tribes were still quite primitive although Christianity in West Papua is spreading.
The journey of these two missionaries to share the gospel exposed them to different civilizations and modern ways of living. It can be stated that the first appearance of Christianity in Papua was a turning point that defined the beginning of modern civilisation in the region.
Papua Learn about the Gospel
Church and Gospel or Bible is the Christianity symbols. Ottouw and Geissler left behind relics that can be found on the West Papuan in Mansinam island. The relic is a big cross that represents the first introduction of the gospel into Papua.
Other relics, in addition to the gospel, are church buildings, of which just the foundation exists. Ottouw and Geissler built the first church, which is the introduction religion in West Papua.
In addition to the Bible and the church, Ottouw and Geissler created a water source in the shape of wells that could be used by local residents at the time. Every year, the residents of Mansiman Island in West Papua mark the day when the gospel first arrived on their lands.
To honor it, the residents of Mansiman Island erected 30 meters statue of Jesus Christ as the God of Christianity, comparable to the figure of Jesus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a symbol and form honoring the day the gospel was first introduced to the island.
So, it’s no surprise that Mansiman Island is always crowded with people from Papua and other parts of the world. The statue represents the Indonesian government’s admiration for Christianity in West Papua, particularly the Mansinam island area in West Papua.
Conclusion
The spread of Christianity in West Papua has resulted in the majority of West Papuans believing in Christianity. However, there are two types of Christianity that are accepted: Protestant Christianity and Catholic Christianity.
The Christian population of West Papua has grown throughout time. The people of West Papua have learned what Christianity is, rather than learn about Christianity definition. However, it is practiced in everyday life.
After reading this article, you will understand how Christianity became one of the most popular religions in West Papua. Although there are still some people who combine their beliefs with Christianity in West Papua.
This can be used to teach about religion and how Papuans, particularly West Papuans, incorporate it into their life. Hopefully, this article will assist you in understanding about the religions practiced in each region, particularly in West Papua.
