Agats, Asmat – Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, demonstrated his support for the development of religious infrastructure in South Papua by planting a pine tree at the construction site of the new Holy Cross Cathedral in Agats, Asmat Regency, on Sunday.
The activity was part of the Vice President’s working visit to Asmat and reflected the government’s commitment to developing essential infrastructure that directly serves community needs, including religious service facilities.
Upon arriving at the site, the Vice President received a briefing on the progress of the cathedral’s construction from Vallens Aji Sayekti, Head of Socio-Economic Development of the Agats Diocese. During the presentation, Aji explained that the main structure of the church had been completed and that the project had entered the roofing and interior finishing stages.
One of the cathedral’s unique features is its use of locally sourced Asmat timber, which is being handcrafted by local workers and artisans. Beyond serving as a place of worship, the cathedral project has also become a vehicle for community empowerment by providing employment opportunities for dozens of local residents throughout the construction process.
The pine tree planting carried out by the Vice President symbolizes hope, sustainability, and a spirit of togetherness in building a better future for Asmat. The gesture also reflects the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable development, particularly in Indonesia’s frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped regions.
The government hopes that the completion of the Holy Cross Cathedral will not only strengthen religious services for the Catholic community in Asmat but also become a symbol of unity, cultural identity, and progress for the people of South Papua in the years to come.
