The milestone in the history of the church framework and the spread of Christianity in the land of Papua occurred on February 5, 1855. The mission is called Pekabaran Injil.
The event also marks the day to commemorate diversity in the university.
The spread of Christianity in Papua is significant as most Papuan now are Christians. Hence, the Pekabaran has been one of the most celebrated events in Papua. How does it begin, and how does it affect Papua? To understand its importance, we need to trace back to its history.
The History of Pekabaran Injil
On June 26, 1852, the five missionaries departed from Rotterdam for Jakarta using the Abel Tasman ship. They arrived at their destination on October 7, 1852.
One year later, Ottow and Geissler received permission to go to Papua. They departed on January 12, 1855. After arriving in Papua, they began going to isolated districts and spreading Christianity.
Among these five, some went to the islands of Sangir Talaud and Halmahera, while Ottow and Geissler were sent to the Papua region.
They began to spread Christianity in Papua, believing that Jesus would guide people to better salvation.
Furthermore, in 1856, the first elementary school was opened in Mansinam. Later, they also plan to establish other schools in Papua. After Mansinam, the gospel also began to spread widely to other areas in Papua.
How Pekabaran Injil Influences Papuan
Not only did the missionaries successfully spread the religion, but they also built schools and taught basic living to Papuans.
Hence, it helps the growth of civilization in Papua. Many schools teach the kids how to read and how to cite Bible. Moreover, it indirectly strengthens the cultural bond within the community.
In addition, community leaders in the Papua region are also very supportive of the spread of Christianity. One of the reasons why people easily accepted Christianity is their teachings coincide with problems that arise in society.
The isolated region’s social, economic, and political problems faded after the Pekabaran Injil. Therefore, people mark the day when Christianity arrives and celebrate it every year.
The Regent of Biak Namfor acknowledged that the Christianization event was Biak’s first sign of change.
After many children attended Christian schools, they became scholars who taught more people about civilization and how to improve life with Christianity.
In addition, with Christianization, people realized the importance of mutual tolerance between races and religions. Indigenous and interracial conflicts began to decrease.
Papua The Land of Peace
As the tolerance level rises higher and people become more benevolent, people view Papuans as higher than before.
The notion that Papua Papua peaceful land began to spread. The tribe that was previously known to be uncivilized has now produced sons of a nation who are educated and guided by religion.
The development of religions in the land of Papua has contributed to creating a better, more tolerant, and peace-loving society.
Chairman of the Biak Numfor district religious harmony forum, Pastor M. Kapisa, said the responsibility for maintaining peace is the responsibility of all elements of society. Hence, people from all aspects of society try to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
This example was during the 2022 Christmas celebration. The Papuan people work together to maintain security and peace during the celebration. The government hopes the Papuan people will maintain peace and further enhance civilization.
Despite many struggles that Papuans face due to the isolated area, there is a potential growth for Papuans both in the social, economic, and religious aspects. Pekabaran Injil is one of the most influential triggers that help the civilization of Papua. Hopefully, this message of peace will spread not only in Papua but throughout Indonesia and the world.
