The Ministry of Human Rights ensures the protection of the pastor in Timika related to the alleged terror.

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Human Rights (HAM) has ensured protection for pastors at the Three Kings Cathedral Parish, Timika, Central Papua, following reports of alleged terror and harassment in the church environment.

Director of Human Rights Services at the Ministry of Human Rights, Osbin Samosir, said the Ministry of Human Rights had directly met with the pastors and coordinated with local security forces to ensure that the situation remained conducive.

"The state through the Ministry of Human Rights is committed to ensuring that every house of worship is safe and free from disturbances so that the people can worship in peace and piety," said Osbin as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 5.

The report was submitted by the Pastor of the Cathedral of the Three Kings, Romo Amandus Rahadat and Romo Bennyyang who claimed to have experienced interference from parties with no interest in the church area, including the presence of unknown people in the pastor's work area as well as a situation that was considered threatening during the celebration of the Eucharist.

"The silence of houses of worship and the process of carrying out worship must be guarded from parties who are not interested. Religious territory is a holy space for the people to meet with the Creator," said Father Amandus Rahadat.

Romo Benny conveyed the importance of maintaining the sanctity of worship in all places of worship.

"We hope that similar incidents will not be repeated in the environment of houses of worship, whether in churches, mosques or other places of worship, to maintain the privacy of the people," he said.

Following up on the report, the Ministry of Human Rights carried out cross-sectoral coordination, including with the police and the TNI in the Timikaguna region to ensure protection for religious leaders and the security of the church area.

The Ministry of Human Rights stated that acts of intimidation against religious leaders are serious human rights violations and cannot be tolerated.

This effort is part of the implementation of respect, protection, promotion, enforcement, and fulfillment of human rights by the state, especially in ensuring freedom of religion and security for the community.