Catholic leaders in Papua province have called for an end to the ongoing conflict between the military and pro-independence groups.
The call came after priests and laypeople recently criticized bishops and the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference for turning a blind eye to the conflict in the easternmost region. The Feb. 25 appeal mentioned the incident in Intan Jaya and Puncak district in which a soldier, a man accused of being a military spy and three civilians were killed, forcing thousands forced to flee in the last week. “Whoever is the victim, the humanitarian violence itself makes us sad and angry. Whoever the perpetrators, be they the police, the military or pro-independence groups, [the violence] cannot be justified, even if it is done for reasons that are noble in their view,” they said, adding that “truth and justice can be fought for and must be upheld.” “But violent struggle will never succeed. Violence will give birth to violence again and so continue. Therefore we urge all parties to stop the violence,” they said.
The appeal was signed by Bishop Leo Laba Ladjar of Jayapura, Bishop Aloysius Murwito of Agats, Father Marthen Kuayo, apostolic administrator of Timika Diocese, and Father Hengky Kariwop, vicar general of Merauke Archdiocese. They also pointed out that the location and function of the security forces should be reorganized in a professional and proportional manner. “Approach with heart and love — that is the slogan that has often been echoed. We hope that this slogan can become real in the behavior of the security forces,” they said, adding that officers stationed in Papua need to be equipped with knowledge of the local community, culture and customs. They also asked that some new district leaders inaugurated this week pay serious attention to various aspects of life, including education and health as well as protection of indigenous people amid the expansion of palm oil plantations.
Catholic activist Melvin Waine said the bishops’ statement is “an answer to the longing of Papuans for their pastor.”
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