JAYAPURA – The Governor of Central Papua Province, Meki Nawipa, has firmly stated that during his leadership alongside Deputy Governor Deinas Geley, there will be no bakar batu ceremonies. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) politician made this statement while attending a thanksgiving event for the Regent and Deputy Regent of Mimika Regency on Thursday (March 27, 2025).
According to the former Regent of Paniai, the bakar batu tradition practiced by the community consumes a significant amount of funds.
“The money used for bakar batu could instead be allocated for development in Central Papua Province,” he said in a written statement received by Kompas.com on Friday (March 28, 2025).
Meki emphasized that the bakar batu ceremony often requires a large budget.
Therefore, he is committed to ensuring that no government funds are spent on bakar batu ceremonies during his tenure as Governor of Central Papua.
Governor Meki Frits Nawipa stressed that under his administration, bakar batu will not be practiced. “The money spent on bakar batu can be used to support education, healthcare, and housing for the people,” he said.
He encouraged the community to work together in improving public services, including education, healthcare, and road infrastructure, so that all residents of Central Papua Province can benefit.
“We must leave behind traditions that drain our energy and resources. I repeat, bakar batu will be stopped,” he concluded.
