Jayapura – The Chairman of the Papua Council of Churches (PGGP), Reverend M.P.A. Maury, has called on all religious communities to give thanks to God for entering the year 2026 safely and under relatively stable conditions.
“We ought to be grateful to God, for He has brought us safely into 2026. We have also passed through January and entered February, and everything has been going well, both in terms of public security and the general situation in Papua Province,” he stated.
However, Reverend Maury expressed deep concern over several violent incidents that have occurred over the past two to three weeks. He noted that religious leaders were shocked by a series of shooting incidents described as brutal and deliberate in several regions across Papua.
According to him, such acts are deeply disappointing and violate the sacredness and sanctity of life upheld by every religious teaching. “No religion will accept or tolerate shootings—whether against pilots, passengers, or civilians in various regions,” he emphasized.
He firmly stated that such acts of violence are inhumane and contrary to fundamental human values. Therefore, he urged all religious leaders to speak out strongly in condemning these incidents to prevent them from recurring.
On the same occasion, Reverend Maury also called upon religious leaders and communities from diverse backgrounds to continue praying for and supporting the government, particularly the Indonesian National Police and the Cartenz Peace Task Force, in carrying out their duties to maintain security and protect the public.
He expressed appreciation for the Cartenz Peace Task Force, acknowledging its continued commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities in providing security, protection, and safeguarding the community.
Reverend Maury further encouraged the people of Papua to remain obedient to the government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and to support the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in maintaining security stability.
“We may not be able to contribute in many ways, but we can help through prayer. Let us uphold Papua in prayer so that the Land of Papua remains safe, peaceful, and prosperous,” he concluded.
