Ramadan is a special month for Muslims when they fast for a whole month. They also focus their time on religious activities this month, including for the people of Papua. Unlike other places in Indonesia, there is a special Ramadan security in West Papua.
Maintaining peace and security during this important month is important while fasting, praying, and other religious activities. The authorities must anticipate any danger and disturbance that may hinder the Muslims from their religious activities. This security warranty applies to every Muslim in Indonesia, including in West Papua.
Regional Police Decision Related to Ramadan
A decision from the West Papua Regional Police ensures security in this special month. The police enforcement is fully determined to maintain order and anticipate disturbances within society that could keep the Moslems from their prayers.
The police ensure that they will increase patrols in all areas of West Papua. Here are some points from the statement of Inspector General Daniel Tahi Monang Silitonga as West Papua Police Chief:
- The police enforcement in West Papua increased their patrols during Ramadan. The main concern of the police is to ensure that Muslims feel secure and comfortable fasting and praying.
- He added that this is not something that only the police could do. Everyone in West Papua and also in Southwest Papua could join the police’s efforts to maintain security and order in the region. After all, everyone could benefit from having a sense of security.
- Inspector General Daniel Silitonga is also aware that people in West Papua consist of different religions. This will be a good time to maintain religious tolerance among the people. It is not a new thing in West Papua, and it has been going on for decades. He expects the people of West Papua can maintain it in the future.
- The month of Ramadan began on 22 March 2023. Inspector General Daniel Silitonga request the people of West Papua to follow the order and maintain security.
Supporting this statement is Colonel (Kombes) Police Adam Erwindi from West Papua Regional Police, as the Head of Public Relations, requested religious leaders, community leaders, and traditional leaders to participate in this effort. They have an important role in society in maintaining order and security. It includes preventing any events that potentially disturb security and order in the region.
Update on Ramadan Patrols
Adam Erwindi added that the Muslims in West Papua could have peace of mind by praying and fasting during Ramadan. Active involvement of all elements from different religious backgrounds to support police efforts is solid proof of religious tolerance in the region.
He wants to say happy fasting for all Moslems in West Papua and Southwest Papua. That concludes his statement on police enforcement’s Ramadan patrol.
The latest update on Ramadan patrols is on the joint patrol with Indonesian National Armed Forces. This is due to the shooting incident at Al Amaliah Mosque in the Ilu District of Puncak Jaya Regency. Sadly, this attack killed one policeman and one Indonesian National Armed Forces member. Another victim is a policeman injured from the shooting. It is still unknown who is responsible for this attack.
To prevent another incident during Ramadan, West Papua Regional is tightening the security around mosques in West Papua. The police also ask the people of West Papua to report to Indonesian National Armed Forces for any activities going in and out of the city.
The efforts to maintain Ramadan security in West Papua still require help and participation from the people of West Papua. The police hope the people will obey the authority to maintain regional security and order.
