Jayapura, July 5, 2025 – The Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Sports Science (FIK) at Cenderawasih University (Uncen) successfully organized an Ecumenical Prayer and National Seminar titled “Faith and Science: Papuan Youth Rooted and Flourishing in the Digital Age” on Friday (4/7/2025). Held at the FIK Uncen campus courtyard in Waena, Jayapura, the event aimed to raise collective awareness among Papuan students about leveraging global technological advancements for Papua’s and Indonesia’s progress, while emphasizing that sustainable development requires youth firmly rooted in education and moral values.
Technology and Faith: Twin Pillars for Papua’s Development
Event Chairperson Yubelina Womsiwor emphasized that Papuan students must become frontline actors in mastering technology without losing cultural and spiritual identity. “We live in a digital era, but we cannot live without roots. Education and faith must form the foundation so technology doesn’t erode our noble values,” she stated.
Prof. Dr. Balthasar Kambuaya, MBA, Uncen’s Senate Chairman, highlighted the crucial balance between technological progress and character. “Papua needs youth who are not only intellectually capable but also morally grounded. Technology without ethics becomes a destructive tool,” he asserted.
Papua Needs Rooted and Fruitful Youth
Three national speakers provided holistic perspectives:
Rev. Sonny Arwam, S.Th., M.Th. stressed moral regeneration as Papua’s development cornerstone: “Infrastructure progress means little without human transformation.”
Dennis Firmansjah, SE., MM. addressed digital challenges: “Papuan students must become knowledge producers, not passive consumers.”
Evangelist Zandy Y.W. Keliduan, SE., MABS advocated faith as an information filter: “Be fruitful youth who create tangible impacts for Papua.”
Collective Movement for Papua’s Future
Beyond discussions, the event launched a character-building movement, symbolized by Gideon International Papua’s free Bible distribution – representing commitment to truth-based generation development.
Participant Fransiska shared: “We realize our responsibility as Papuan youth extends beyond personal growth to driving positive change for our land.”
Call to Action: Master Technology, Preserve Identity
BEM FIK Uncen delivered a powerful message: Papua needs education-rooted, action-oriented youth. Amid globalization, students are called to actively utilize technology for communal welfare.
“Educated, principled, and faithful Papuan youth hold the key to our land’s progress,” concluded Dr. Daniel Womsiwor, S.Pd., M.Fis., FIK’s Vice Dean for Student Affairs.
