Religions for peace in Papua

Facing the unending conflict and violence in Indonesian occupied Papua, the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) have tried to mediate for a peaceful dialogue.

Since the early 2000s, FKUB has never stopped calling for a "Papua Land of Peace". But why is the Papuan conflict getting worse every day? Why do these calls seem so futile? What does "Papua Land of Peace" really mean? 

Chris Dogopia.

To better understand this issue, Chris Dogopia, an alumnus of Fajar Timur's theology faculty who now serves as vice-secretary of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) gives his views.

What is meant by Papua as the land of peace?

Everyone wants Papua to be peaceful, but not everyone has the same vision of peace. The Indonesian government wants peace by eliminating all Papuan separatist groups. The Papuan independence movement wants peace by expelling the Indonesian regime. While religious organizations, especially the Church, want to end the conflict through mutual consensus.

Can religious organizations mediate the Papuan conflict?

Of the three visions mentioned earlier, the latter seems the fairest. But the question now is: to what extent can religious organizations maintain their neutrality, while the facts that all religions in Indonesia are under the supervision of the state? In other words: how can religions call for peace, while they themselves are involved in perpetuating the conflict in Papua?

Theoretically, religions can indeed play the role of mediator. However, in the current Indonesian context, it is impossible: religion is co-opted by interests. Each prioritizes institutional interests over the common good. This isn't right!

What should religions do for Papua?

Christianity (Catholic and Protestant), Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism in Papua should provide a ray of hope for peace. Christians, still the majority in the region, must be the first to speak out. 

The Churches, especially the Catholic Church in Papua must realize that they are not the servant of the Indonesian Government. They do not need to articulate government policies in their pastoral mission works. They should recognize the place where they stand and defend the rights of the Indigenous Peoples. 

In short, all religions must meet in order to create a more peaceful and just Papuan society.