One region of Indonesia certainly cannot be separated from these three things: government, religion, and customs. Likewise, in Papua, the harmony and mutual respect between religious communities are still well maintained. Therefore, there is optimism about people’s tolerance and a better future for Papua.
In Papua, the relationship between government, religion, and custom is still very harmonious, and the people uphold the value of tolerance. The high sense of tolerance in Papuans can be seen when religious events occur.
For example, during Eid al-Fitr or Easter Day, everyone is involved in the event’s success even though their religion is different. So what happens is that their relationship is getting closer based on mutual respect between fellow human beings.
Father Dominikus D. Hodo emphasized that
“The three components cannot be separated because each plays an important role in realizing community harmony. If one of them is separated, a rift in the relationship happens. This togetherness, among others, comes from the philosophical value of “One Furnace Three Stones,” which has been embedded in the people of Fakfak Regency, West Papua”.
The place of worship, as a symbol of a particular religion, acts as a place of change in its services amid a cultural community. So the place of worship must establish a good relationship with the adat and the government.
Thus interfaith harmony and social justice will be created. Indigenous Papuans always hold the principle of natural philosophy. In principle, everyone must live their lives side by side with positive movements.
Therefore, in Papua, there are almost no cases of racism or things that threaten the harmony and tolerance of the people.
Maintained Tolerance
We can easily see the behavior of the Papuan people, who show tolerance between religious communities. For example, during the holy month of Ramadan, Ustadz Abdul Kahar Yelipelle, administrator of the Baiturrahim Jayapura Mosque, emphasized that Christian youth helped maintain security by joining the police in securing Tarawih prayers.
What the Christian youth did reflected the value of tolerance and was very noble. This example of behavior should be an example of Indonesian society, especially Papua. So that harmony and peace always exist in Papua.
In addition, Islamic youth in Papua also do not want to lose in promoting tolerance. They also do the same thing as Christian youth do during Christmas or Easter.
Religious people who understand each other like this make Papua a cool atmosphere without fear of religious and cultural differences. If this harmonization continues to be well maintained, then Papua will become the most tolerant region in Indonesia.
Well-maintained Harmony
The harmonious inter-religious relations in Papua cannot be separated from the role of FKUB (Religious Harmony Forum), where the forum is a joint forum for addressing religious differences and educating the public about interfaith tolerance.
In Jayapura City, a “Harmony Award” monument was inaugurated directly by the Deputy Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia, Zainud Tauhid Sa’adi. The monument was inaugurated on March 7, 2023, to appreciate the high-tolerance attitude in Jayapura City.
The moment of Ramadan, which coincides with Easter, brings noble values for the people of Jayapura City and Papua to continue to maintain harmony and a spirit of togetherness. One form of interfaith togetherness seen in Papua is the breaking of fast together which cannot be separated from the role of Christians.
We believe that the tolerance of the people and a better future for the Land of Papua will be realized so that the land of Papua becomes the best example for other Indonesian regions in building and maintaining inter-religious harmony.
