The Manokwari government is currently revising the “Gospel City” regulation, which designates the city as the center of the spread of the Gospel in Indonesia. In particular, the new regulation emphasizes that the city welcomes people of all faiths.
The revision comes after concerns arose that the previous regulation could lead to discrimination against minority religious groups. This process aims to ensure that the regulation is in line with national laws and does not infringe on the rights of minority religious groups.
The Origin of the “Gospel City” Regulation in Manokwari, West Papua
The regulation designating Manokwari as the center of spreading the Gospel in Indonesia was first proposed in 2006. It aimed to celebrate the history of the spread of Christianity in West Papua, which can be traced back to the arrival of European missionaries in the late 19th century.
The first Christian missionary to visit West Papua was Carl Wilhelm Ottow, a German pastor who arrived in the area in 1855. Later, other European missionaries followed Ottow’s lead, including Johann Gottlob Geissler. They established churches and schools throughout the region.
The missionaries played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in West Papua, particularly among the indigenous people who had previously practiced animism and other traditional beliefs.
They translated the Bible into local languages and established churches and Christian schools, which helped to convert many West Papuans to Christianity.
Today, Christianity is the dominant religion in West Papua, with over 80% of the population identifying as Protestant or Catholic. However, there are also significant populations of Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of traditional religions in the region.
The “Gospel City” regulation was intended to celebrate this history and promote Manokwari as a center for Christian activities in the region. However, the regulation has faced criticism from some minority groups who argue that it discriminates against minority religions.
Manokwari, A City that Embraces Religious Diversity
Manokwari is known for its rich history and natural beauty. However, it is also becoming known for its religious diversity and inclusivity. In fact, the city is home to significant populations of Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of traditional religions, in addition to the dominant Christian population.
The government has established an interfaith forum that brings together religious leaders from different faiths to promote dialogue and understanding. Additionally, the city celebrates religious holidays from different faiths, including Eid al-Fitr for Muslims and Chinese New Year for Buddhists.
Manokwari’s commitment to religious diversity is also reflected in its economy. The city’s thriving tourism industry promotes cultural and natural attractions from different religions and traditions.
Moreover, the city’s restaurants and markets offer a variety of food and products from different cultures and religions.
Indonesian Ulema Council Supports Manokwari’s Efforts to Promote Religious Harmony
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has expressed its support for the Manokwari local government’s revision of a regulation designating the city as a Gospel City.
Most importantly, MUI praised the government’s intention to return to the original purpose of the regulation. It was to promote Manokwari as a center of Christian activity rather than alienating certain religions.
The Manokwari government has been revising the regulation to promote religious tolerance and harmony in the region. Ultimately, the revised regulation will emphasize the city’s history as a center for Christian activities. Simultaneously, it will also recognize the presence of other religions in the area.
The MUI has praised the government’s efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding. Furthermore, the council emphasized the importance of religious harmony in Indonesia.
As a matter of fact, the country has the largest Muslim population in the world. Nevertheless, it is also home to significant populations of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and followers of traditional religions.
Overall, the MUI’s support for the Manokwari government’s efforts to revise the “Gospel City” regulation highlights the importance of religious tolerance and inclusivity in Indonesia. Additionally, the government’s commitment to promoting religious harmony sets an example for other regions in the country to follow.
