The Spirit Of Christmas In Papua, The Chairman Of The Waena Village Indigenous Village Invites Residents To Maintain Peace And Togetherness

Ondofolo Waena Village Richard Ohee (left) handed over basic material assistance for widows in Jayapura, Thursday (11/12/2025). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Chairman of the Waena Village, Heram District, Jayapura City, Papua, Richard Ohee, said that Christmas celebrations are an important time for the community to strengthen the unity and spirit of togetherness.

"The Christmas commemoration always reminds us that love is the basis of every step and decision we make in life," he said while attending the Christmas service which was held at the Simultaneous Gathering of Kampung Damai in Jayapura, Thursday.

Ohee invites all citizens to interpret the birth of Christ by presenting peace, spreading love, and being a light to others, regardless of religious background. He assessed that the momentum of Christmas should be a space to strengthen unity and encourage people to become a generation that cares and is able to bring positive changes to the Land of Papua.

According to him, this year's Christmas celebration provides an in-depth message about the importance of supporting each other and living in love. On the same occasion, the village also distributed aid from the central government to people in need, especially widows and prosperous families.

"The happiness shared today not only strengthens relations among citizens, but also provides hope that unity and peace can continue to grow in Papua," he added.

In addition to assistance for widows, packages of basic ingredients were also given to students from Mamberamo Raya and Waropen who were studying.

One of the residents of Waena, Anace Wanane, expressed his gratitude for the government's support. According to him, the assistance is very helpful for the community in meeting their needs ahead of Christmas.

"We are grateful for the attention of the government who continues to pay attention to our condition, especially when welcoming Christmas Day," he said.