Supporting Papua’s Development, Skouw Sae Traditional and Community Leaders Unite to Uphold Unity

Jayapura – A number of traditional and community leaders from Skouw Sae Village held a socialization event on national awareness aimed at strengthening unity and togetherness as the foundation of development in Papua. The event also coincided with the distribution of social assistance from President Prabowo Subianto on Friday (November 7, 2025).

The socialization, attended by villagers and led by traditional leaders, took place at the residence of the Skouw Sae traditional council (Keondoafian), Muara Tami District, Jayapura City.

David Donny Lomo, the Ondoafi (traditional leader) of Skouw Sae Village, emphasized in his speech that the event was not merely a formality but a genuine effort to foster a spirit of togetherness and patriotism.

“This socialization is part of our commitment as indigenous people to strengthen unity and togetherness, starting from the village level,” said David.

He highlighted that national values should not only be spoken but also demonstrated through real actions — such as strengthening community solidarity and maintaining order within the village.

“Our children must learn the importance of unity so that they can work together to build a more advanced Papua,” David added.

The Ondoafi urged all residents to support government programs and maintain peace and order in their village.
“Let us make Tobati Enggros Village a model of unity and togetherness among its people — an example for other villages throughout Papua,” he encouraged.

Edward Mutang, Head of the Muttang Tribe of Skouw Sae Village, reminded the participants that Indonesia is a great nation united by Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), above all differences in ethnicity, religion, language, and customs.

“National awareness is not just knowledge — it is a perspective and way of life that prioritizes the interests of the nation above personal or group interests,” Edward stressed.

He also pointed out current challenges such as the spread of hoaxes, divisions caused by differing opinions, and the declining sense of unity.

“Therefore, events like this are essential to remind us all that Indonesia will remain strong only if its people stay united,” he said.

Edward underlined that every citizen has a responsibility to maintain security, support development, and reject any form of violence or divisive ideology.

“Let us continue to nurture brotherhood, strengthen mutual cooperation, and work hand in hand to build our region — for a prosperous, independent, and peaceful Papua within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” he urged.

Meanwhile, Benyamin Retto, Head of the Retto Tribe of Skouw Sae Village, expressed his full support for efforts to strengthen national awareness at the village level.

He emphasized that unity and togetherness are key to accelerating development in Papua.

“We fully support this initiative because through unity, we can overcome the challenges in our village and build a better future for the next generation,” said Benyamin.

He also reminded everyone of the importance of preserving the values of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and kinship — the cultural heritage of the Papuan people.

“By revitalizing these noble values, we can strengthen the foundation of unity that our ancestors built,” he added.

Benyamin called on all villagers to actively participate in government programs that aim to improve welfare and security in their communities.

Aser Lanta, a Togam (customary leader) of Skouw Sae Village, also stressed the importance of solidarity among indigenous communities in maintaining the unity of the Republic. According to him, indigenous communities play a vital role in instilling national values at the grassroots level.

“As indigenous people, we have the responsibility to be at the forefront in safeguarding unity and rejecting any form of division,” said Aser.

He expressed his support for the ongoing efforts of traditional leaders to promote national awareness.

“Such activities should be held regularly so that the spirit of unity becomes deeply rooted in every member of our community,” he said.

Aser hoped that the spirit of togetherness fostered through this activity would continue to grow and serve as a social asset in facing future challenges.

“Let us realize a peaceful, prosperous, and united Papua within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia. Unity begins in the village — with all of us,” Aser concluded.