Indonesia consists of different ethnic and religious groups. It is not easy to keep all these groups in harmony. There have been issues and troubles in society related to this matter. So, it is understandable that Religious Ministry praises interfaith tolerance in West Papua. Any small achievement is worthy of praise from the government.
This praise is based on West Papua’s score on the Ministry’s interfaith tolerance index. This region consists of several different religious groups. It is prone to friction that could lead to big problems.
It takes hard work from the regional government, religious leaders, cultural leaders, and the people to maintain harmony. So everyone could practice their prayers and live happily, side by side.
Religious Ministry Monitors Interfaith Tolerance
The Ministry of Religion is in charge of monitoring interfaith tolerance in society. This is for maintaining harmony within our plural society.
Through its Regional Office in West Papua, the Ministry of Religion recorded the region’s 80 points in the tolerance index. This score is also made into the harmony index.
Luksen Jems, Mayor of the Ministry’s Regional Office, reported that West Papua never experiences any conflict caused by religious intolerance. Compared to other regions in Indonesia, incidents such as the closure of houses of worship or restrictions on prayers have happened in West Papua.
It shows the mutual respect that the people have for each other, even if they belong to different religions. Furthermore, Luksen Jems Mayor ensured that people in West Papua can pray and worship according to their religion as long as it does not disturb other people.
The local government put local wisdom as its main priority. It means they will not obstruct the construction of a new house of worship for all religions. The only requirement is to follow the local wisdom.
Since people from different religions live according to this basic rule, it is common in West Papua to find people from different religions guarding houses of worship. Or, the Christians prepare food for break fasting during Ramadan.
Similarly, the Moslems help secure the area during the Christmas celebration. This dynamic is the daily life in West Papua.
West Papuan people hold dearly to the spirit of brotherhood among each other, according to Luksen Jems Mayor. This is the main reason for interfaith harmony in this region.
The Next Step to Maintain Interfaith Tolerance in West Papua
The Ministry of Religion will continue to monitor the interfaith harmony in West Papua through their regional office. Hopefully, there never will be any religious-related conflict in this region.
The next plan is to encourage the younger generation to participate in this effort. After all, this is for the future of their generation.
Luksen Jems Mayor encourages religious groups, cultural leaders, and the government to work together in keeping interfaith harmony for the next generation.
Taking the young generation to social activities involving people from different religions could be a good start. It gives a good sample of how to act and socialize with people from different religions.
Another important thing is to give a special part to local media. News on harmonious interfaith tolerance should get more coverage in the local media. This positive news will help to form a positive mindset of living in a plural society.
Luksen Jems, the Mayor, added that the local government works hard to ensure everyone participates in maintaining interfaith harmony. Religious Ministry praises interfaith tolerance in West Papua makes a good achievement for this region. But hopefully, the West Papuan people could maintain it for the next generation’s livelihood.
