In Papua, Vice President Ma'ruf: Happy Commemoration Of The 68th Anniversary Of Evangelical News Day

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin congratulated him at the peak of the 168th anniversary of the Evangelical News Day (HPI) in Manokwari, Papua, Sunday, February 5. (Screenshot-ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Vice President Maruf Amin hopes that Christians in Papua will continue to spread the values of goodness in the midst of Indonesia's pluralism.

This was conveyed by the Vice President in his remarks online at the peak event of the 168th anniversary of the Evangelical News Day (HPI) on Mansimam Island, Manokwari, West Papua, Sunday, February 5.

"My Christian brothers in Papua, welcome to commemorate the 168th Anniversary of the Evangelical News Day in Papua. Hopefully this commemoration will be a reflective moment for Christians to continue to be active in practicing the values of love, peace and goodness, within the framework of a pluralistic Indonesia," said the Vice President in a press release, Sunday, February 5, was confiscated by Antara.

The Vice President also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the leaders of religious institutions, church leaders, and Christians in the Land of Papua who according to him have played a major role in building a moderate, tolerant, and mutual life as a form of the teachings of gratitude.

"Let us strengthen commitment, role, and work of goodness in order to uphold peace and social harmony, as an important capital for accelerating development in the Land of Papua, because the challenges we face in the future are not easy," he said.

Not only giving words, the Vice President also sent the Special Staff of the Vice President Gatot Prio Utomo to directly attend the peak of the 168th celebration of HPI on Mansimna Island, Manokwari.

In line with the Vice President, on that occasion Gatot also expressed his gratitude to the Papuan Church leaders for their role in building civilization and peace in Papua.

"We would like to thank the Church, the leadership of the Sinode, Pastor, and religious leaders who have played an active role in the development of the community, humanity, nationality and peace in the Land of Papua," he said.

Gatot also emphasized the government's commitment to continue to prioritize a cultural-religious and humanist approach to peace in Papua. Especially by involving church figures as one of the main stakeholders in the development of Papua.

"Religious figures are important pillars in mainstreaming the values of peace and prosperity in the Land of Papua. Through spiritual services, education, and social services, church leaders are at the forefront of realizing a peaceful and prosperous Papua," he said.

Furthermore, Gatot said that the Vice President himself had ordered the agenda for accelerating development in the Land of Papua to involve the participation of leaders and institutions of the Papuan Church.

"The Vice President has given directions to involve Papuan churches in efforts to accelerate development in Papua. Therefore, we have built a strategic partnership with the Papuan Church institution, in this case PGGP Papua/West Papua, to absorb the aspirations of the Papuan Church leadership so that it can make a positive contribution and accelerate the acceleration of welfare development in Papua," he explained.

Finally, Gatot revealed that currently there are still many challenges and homework in efforts to accelerate development in the Land of Papua. Therefore, according to him, the government has a strong commitment to strengthening the new spirit and new paradigm, to make a leap in the welfare of the Papuan people.

Also attending the event organized by the West Papua Provincial Government, among others, the Acting Governor of West Papua Paulus Waterpauw and all Forkopimda of West Papua Province and Regency/City throughout the Land of Papua, Head of Church Synod, Indigenous Leaders, Community Leaders, and the general public.