Jayapura, Indonesia – The Chief of Papua Regional Police, Brigadier General Patrige R. Renwarin, S.H., M.Si., attended an interfaith mass prayer event in anticipation of the 2024 peaceful regional elections in Papua. The event took place at the Lukas Enembe Stadium, within the Sports Complex, Kampung Harapan, Jayapura Regency, on Thursday (September 19, 2024).
Also present at the event were the Acting Governor of Papua Province, represented by Special Staff Ani Rumbiak, Chairman of Papua’s Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) Pastor Lipius Biniluk, M.Th, Chairman of the Papua Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Ustad Saiful Islam Alpayage, President of the Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI) Usman Kobak, Deputy Chairman of the Evangelical Christian Church in Papua (GKI) Heskia Rollo, high-ranking officials of the Papua Regional Police, as well as various invited guests, tribal leaders, religious figures, and community leaders.
In his speech, the Chairman of FKUB emphasized that this was the first mass prayer of its kind in Indonesia, starting from Papua. He added that this historic event united three prominent religious leaders on a single stage.
“This mass prayer is designed to welcome peaceful elections, with no political agenda, but rather as a collective effort for peace in Papua. It was initiated by FKUB Papua with full support from all parties, including the Papua Regional Police and the Papua Provincial Government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Renwarin highlighted that Papua is a shared home and a collective responsibility, ensuring that the 2024 regional elections would be a pivotal moment in the region’s democratic history, conducted in peace, order, and harmony.
“These elections are not merely about choosing leaders; they manifest the maturity of society in upholding religious values and maintaining a balance between rights and responsibilities, between the freedom to vote and the duty to preserve peace,” said the Police Chief.
He further stressed that the police would remain neutral and professional, ensuring that all phases of the election process proceed safely and without interference.
“I also call on all elements of society, especially religious leaders, tribal leaders, and all citizens, to actively participate in this democratic process,” he urged.
“Let us together maintain unity, coordination, and synergy in embracing diversity to advance and build Papua,” he added.
