The culture in Papua is diverse and unique, which later becomes a distinctive feature for Papuans. 255 ethnic groups are widely spread in seven customary Papuan areas in Papua. Get to know West Papua religion of tribal ancestors that the people still preserve.
The population of West Papua province consists of various ethnic groups. Per the 2010 Indonesian Population Census, out of 753,399 inhabitants in 2010, indigenous Papuan people were 387,816 (51.47%), including the Arfak, Biak, Yapen, and other ethnic groups from West Papua.
Satu Tungku Tiga Batu is a Barometer of the Harmony of West Papua Religion
History proves that in West Papua, there are three major religions (Christianity, Islam, and Catholicism). They have existed for generations and have lived side by side in West Papua, commonly called “family religion”.
Life like this goes well without any friction. This happened because the local wisdom of West Papua religion has been highly upheld from that time until now.
Such a foundation of tolerance makes the emotional connection between the three major religions in West Papua. The generations are previous generations have inherited and which is still maintained until now. Even the government and religious leaders and all elements of West Papuan religions and society have committed to constantly strengthening and improving local wisdom, referred to as the root of religious harmony in West Papua.
Hugo Rizal Wisnugroho said that Catholic Pembimas of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion of West Papua Province while attending the Ordination of Imam Projo “Catholic Deacon” Martin Hombahomba, PR by Mgr. Hilarion Datus Relieved at St Paul Wagon Fak-Fak Parish Church (23/08).
The practice of local wisdom “Satu Tungku Tiga Batu” is obvious during the ordination profession. A Muslim biological family member leads a Catholic family member with a local traditional Islamic dance to the church as an Imam.
Melasti Ritual for Hindus of West Papua Before Nyepi
Hindus carry out the melasti ritual before Nyepi Day on March 25, 2020. As one of the West Papua Religion, this tradition aims to cleanse the world of Agung and the world of Khalik. It aims to balance nature so that it is far from being disturbed by disease and other natural disasters.
Purification of oneself is crucial so that all of us can always appreciate the atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the Manokwari plains. The Manokwari Hindus are grateful that the Arfak tribe’s eldest son leads this province. Hopefully, the governor is always in a good fit, and everything he does in West Papua Province consistently thrives.
This sincerity and mental stability encourage Hindus to always pray for West Papua. They pray for better in love in thought and truth, feelings and peace, love in action, justice and virtue, and love in understanding, which means not hurting one another.
The Chairperson said this of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia, West Papua Province, Ida Bagus Putu Candi.
More about Melasti Rituals
As one of West Papua religions, Melasti rituals are presented to God, the Gods, and humans. Life cannot be separated from good and bad deeds by humans and nature. However, we are all given noble thoughts to regulate everything in this world so that it brings glory to all of us.
May we all have the strength to be useful for ourselves, others, and even the nation, state, and universe. We are aware that we all have mistakes. Mistakes may come from thoughts, words, and actions and prayers like this are always carried out before the commemoration of Nyepi Day so that everything is purified in the course of life, peace, and prosperity.
Following the joint prayer, the Governor of West Papua, Dr. Dominggus Mandarin, and the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion of West Papua Province, Dr. Sudirman Simanihuruk, M.Th., lay the first stone for the construction of the Segara Marippi Temple. It is located on Jalan Trikora Andai, South Manokwari District, Manokwari Regency, West Papua Province.
Final Takeaway
Harmony of West Papua Religion will continue to be well maintained, with mutual respect. Work together and increase discussion and dialogue so that West Papua maintains the highest harmony index in Indonesia. It is because West Papua can be the home of religious diversity and miniature, a laboratory for religious harmony and become an example for other cities.
