1) Napat, Naupa reaffirm MSG support for Kanak self-determination, West Papua

2) Police in Jayapura urged to learn from other regions in handling demonstrations

3) Large demos across West Papua meet with mixed responses by police

4) Central Papua free education programme reaches 64,000 students  

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https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/napat-naupa-reaffirm-msg-support-for-kanak-self-determination-west-papua-rights/

1) Napat, Naupa reaffirm MSG support for Kanak self-determination, West Papua 

 August 13, 2026 _  VILIAME TAWANAKORO

VANUATU Prime Minister Jotham Napat and new Melanesian Spearhead Group Director General Dr Anna Naupa reaffirmed support for the right of the Kanak people to self-determination and discussed the human rights situation in West Papua during their first official meeting.

The two leaders discussed decolonisation efforts in New Caledonia, maritime boundaries, regional initiatives and MSG trade policies.

A key focus was the ongoing decolonisation efforts of the Kanaks in New Caledonia.

The leaders also expressed concern about the human rights situation in West Papua. In 2019, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders passed a resolution in Funafuti, Tuvalu, calling for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua and report independently on the plight of Melanesians there.

That visit remains pending approval from Indonesia.

“It is clear from this very first meeting that the new MSG leadership has not lost sight of the original vision of our founding fathers,” Napat said.

“The MSG was established to give voice to our people, to protect our land and sea, and to stand together when one of us hurts. That spirit is alive.”

The leaders also discussed MSG maritime boundary issues, which Napat described as critical to the region’s ocean identity.

Vanuatu has been in active discussions with New Caledonia and France, as well as Fiji, on maritime boundaries. Napat noted that Vanuatu’s boundary matters with the Solomon Islands were resolved “the Melanesian Way” in 2016 through the Mota Lava Treaty.

Naupa and Napat agreed the discussions were vital to align with newer regional undertakings, including the “Melanesian Corridor” and “Ocean of Peace” concepts. The latter was first proposed by Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in 2023.

Naupa also shared her commitment to revisit MSG trade policies to ensure agreements signed by Leaders are fully realised for the benefit of Melanesians.

“Dr. Naupa brings heart, intellect, and a deep love for our region,” Napat said. “Under her leadership, I am confident the MSG will continue to be the home of Melanesian solidarity and action.”

Naupa thanked Napat for Vanuatu’s continued leadership and hospitality and expressed her commitment to working closely with all MSG members to deliver on the aspirations of their people.

The Government of Vanuatu congratulated Naupa on her appointment and said it looked forward to a new chapter of cooperation, unity and progress for the Melanesian family.

According to Kossay, police chiefs in the three regions were able to establish effective communication with protesters, allowing demonstrations held there on the same day to proceed peacefully and orderly. He said the three police chiefs had provided broad space for Papuans to express their views peacefully and with dignity.

“I appreciate the Jayawijaya, Nabire and Mimika police chiefs and their personnel. They have genuinely learned about law and democracy. On August 15, the Jayawijaya, Nabire and Mimika police chiefs gave Papuans broad democratic space to express their views in public,” Kossay said on Sunday (16/08/2026).

Kossay also criticized the police response in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency, which he said was repressive toward protesters, including KNPB activists and students.

“I want to tell the police officers serving in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency that
repressive actions are unacceptable. They should learn from the police in neighboring regencies,” he said.

Kossay said the approach taken by police in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency amounted to restricting democratic space for Papuans in the area.

Such an approach, he said, would not address the roots of the political conflict in Papua. Instead, he argued that the state, through its security forces, should build stronger communication with communities by adopting a persuasive and human rights-based approach.

Kossay called on the Papua Police chief to evaluate officers involved in restricting democratic space, saying they appeared to lack an understanding of democracy and humanitarian values as foundations of Indonesian law. (*)

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https://en.jubi.id/police-in-jayapura-urged-to-learn-from-other-regions-in-handling-demonstrations/

2) Police in Jayapura urged to learn from other regions in handling demonstrations

News Desk August 17, 2026

Wamena, Jubi – Agus Kossay, chairman of the Central Committee of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), has urged police in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency, Papua, to learn from police chiefs in three other regions in Papua in handling demonstrations.

Kossay made the statement following what he described as a repressive police response that led to clashes with protesters in Perumnas III Waena, Heram District, Jayapura City, and Sentani, Jayapura Regency, during demonstrations against the New York Agreement on Saturday (15/08/2026).

He said the Jayapura City and Jayapura police chiefs should learn from their counterparts in Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua; Nabire Regency and Mimika. Regency, Central Papua, in managing demonstrations.

According to Kossay, police chiefs in the three regions were able to establish effective communication with protesters, allowing demonstrations held there on the same day to proceed peacefully and orderly. He said the three police chiefs had provided broad space for Papuans to express their views peacefully and with dignity.

“I appreciate the Jayawijaya, Nabire and Mimika police chiefs and their personnel. They have genuinely learned about law and democracy. On August 15, the Jayawijaya, Nabire and Mimika police chiefs gave Papuans broad democratic space to express their views in public,” Kossay said on Sunday (16/08/2026).

Kossay also criticized the police response in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency, which he said was repressive toward protesters, including KNPB activists and students.

“I want to tell the police officers serving in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency that
repressive actions are unacceptable. They should learn from the police in neighboring regencies,” he said.

Kossay said the approach taken by police in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency amounted to restricting democratic space for Papuans in the area.

Such an approach, he said, would not address the roots of the political conflict in Papua. Instead, he argued that the state, through its security forces, should build stronger communication with communities by adopting a persuasive and human rights-based approach.

Kossay called on the Papua Police chief to evaluate officers involved in restricting democratic space, saying they appeared to lack an understanding of democracy and humanitarian values as foundations of Indonesian law. (*)

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https://asiapacificreport.nz/2026/08/17/large-demos-across-west-papua-meet-with-mixed-responses-by-police/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTvyUJwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Wt98E7mzkU41F5WLQzenhN4CbSza7_jPg5coSCNeAw9dCTIT9UtmqZGjbpg_aem_psdbYfkFRQ3MSmwHAgNmVw

3) Large demos across West Papua meet with mixed responses by police

By APR editor -

 

August 17, 2026

RNZ Pacific reporters

Dozens of large demonstrations by West Papuans to mark a key anniversary of their homeland’s incorporation into Indonesia have been met with mixed and sometimes violent responses by police.

Saturday was the anniversary of the infamous 1962 US-brokered New York Agreement under which Papua’s former colonial power, the Netherlands, agreed to transfer power over the territory to Indonesia.

The agreement lacked any genuine consultation with West Papuans.

• READ MORE: West Papua protesters face Indonesian police crackdown over independence calls
• Indonesia at 81 – who owns the Land of Papua’s future?
• Other West Papua reports

Peaceful demonstrations on Saturday in Sentani and Jayapura in particular were met with forced dispersal by police as well as alleged beatings, the use of rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons, leaving a number of demonstrators injured.

The demonstrations were organised by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and took place in several cities across Indonesian-ruled Papua region as well as other parts of the republic, including Jakarta and Makassar.

Human rights defenders report that while all of the demonstrations were closely monitored by police forces, in most cases they went without incident.

But they say forced dispersal and violence reported in several locations were a serious concern because they involved violation of the participants’ rights to express their opinions peacefully.

Sustained injuries
Seven members of the KNPB were reported to have sustained injuries as a result of police actions to disrupt the demonstration in Sentani.

In Jayapura, several students from Cenderawasih University were injured as police forcibly dispersed their demonstration.

In Makassar, a KNPB member was reportedly struck by a wire arrow fired by a member of an alleged community-based militia group.

In several areas, demonstrations were reported to have proceeded well, with no initial reports of forced dispersal, including in main centres of Merauke, Yahukimo, Wamena, Nabire, Sorong, Manokwari and Timika.

This story was first published on

RNZ

Al Jazeera’s report on the police crackdown.

Plea for Pacific Islands Forum to act
In a statement in Sydney, Joe Collins of the Australia West Papua Association (AWPA) said: “We are told by governments that the human rights situation in West Papua is improving.

“However, the crackdown on peaceful demonstrators on the 15 August proves otherwise.”

Collins said Indonesia claimed to be a democracy yet it continued to intimidate peaceful West Papuan activists ignoring a number of articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

“Article 19
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

“Article 20
“1. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.”

“It appears that under President Prabowo Subianto, democracy in Indonesian is sliding backwards,” said Collins.

“Hopefully the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders at their upcoming meeting in Palau will raise the human rights situation in West Papua with Jakarta. After all, West Papuans are a Melanesian people — a Pacific people.”

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/427411/central-papua-free-education-programme-reaches-64000-students

4) Central Papua free education programme reaches 64,000 students  

August 17, 2026 18:05 GMT+700 

Nabire (ANTARA) - The free education programme launched by the Central Papua Provincial Government has reached more than 64,000 students and university students in 2026.

Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa said in Nabire on Monday the programme was part of the provincial government's efforts to ensure that financial constraints should not prevent Papuans from accessing education.

"The Central Papua Provincial government this year is financing the education for more than 58,000 students at junior high schools, senior high schools, vocational schools, special schools, and boarding schools, as well as around 6,000 university students pursuing higher education in various regions," he said.

According to Nawipa, the free education programme also showed the government's commitment to expanding education access while reducing the risk of children dropping out of school due to their conditions of low economic.

The financing also covers boarding schools and Central Papuan students pursuing higher education abroad, he added.



For students studying abroad, the provincial government has allocated around Rp30 billion (around US$1.6 million) annually through a grant scheme.

Nawipa added expanding the education access must also be accompanied by improvements in the quality of teaching personnel. Therefore, the provincial government in Central Papua provides support for teacher certification as well as additional incentives.

"Over the past two years, we have also funded 1,800 teachers to obtain certification, enabling them to improve their welfare through additional incentives," he said.

He then expressed hope all education programmes prepared by the government would be utilised optimally by students, university students, teachers, and beneficiary schools.

"We want Central Papua children to be not only intelligent, but also be honest, have integrity, and remain determined to move forward," Nawipa said.

Translator: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya

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1) Large demos across West Papua meet with mixed responses by police

2) Indonesia’s West Papuan protesters face police crackdown over independence calls

3) Three Civilians in Maybrat Allegedly Shot by Indonesian Navy Personnel

4) Govt calls for peace in Aceh, security stability in Papua 

5) Papua Highlands govt funds 500 students at home and abroad  

6) Merauke Archbishop Calls for Peace as Catholic Church Marks 121 Years in Papua Selatan

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https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/1022032/large-demos-across-west-papua-meet-with-mixed-responses-by-police

1) Large demos across West Papua meet with mixed responses by police 

RNZ Pacific reporters

Dozens of large demonstrations by West Papuans to mark a key anniversary of their homeland's incorporation into Indonesia were met with mixed and sometimes violent responses by police.

Saturday was the anniversary of 1962's infamous US-brokered New York Agreement under which Papua's former colonial power, the Netherlands, agreed to transfer power over the territory to Indonesia. The agreement lacked any genuine consultation with West Papuans.

Peaceful demonstrations on Saturday in Sentani and Jayapura in particular were met with forced dispersal by police as well as alleged beatings, the use of rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons, leaving a number of demonstrators injured.

The demonstrations were organised by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and took place in several cities across Indonesian ruled Papua region as well as other parts of the republic including Jakarta and Makassar.

Human rights defenders report that while all of the demonstrations were closely monitored by police forces, in most cases they went without incident.

But they say forced dispersal and violence reported in several locations are a serious concern because they involve violation of the participants' rights to express their opinions peacefully.

Seven members of the KNPB were reported to have sustained injuries as a result of police actions to disrupt the demonstration in Sentani.

In Jayapura, several students from Cenderawasih University were injured as police forcibly dispersed their demonstration.

In Makassar, a KNPB member was reportedly struck by a wire arrow fired by a member of an alleged community-based militia group.

In several areas, demonstrations were reported to have proceeded well, with no initial reports of forced dispersal, including in main centres of Merauke, Yahukimo, Wamena, Nabire, Sorong, Manokwari and Timika.

News Pacific 17 August 2026, 7:06am 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg5tLsYumzE

Al Jazeera English 

2) Indonesia’s West Papuan protesters face police crackdown over independence calls

Indigenous West Papuans have taken to the streets across Indonesia’s resource-rich West Papua region to mark the 64th anniversary of the signing of the New York Agreement. In Jayapura and other towns, demonstrators were met with tear gas and water cannon fired by Indonesian police. The 1962 agreement transferred control of the former Dutch colony to the United Nations and later to Indonesia, ending hopes of independence for many Indigenous West Papuans. Civil society groups, including the West Papua National Committee, say the denial of self-determination remains a root cause of the decades-long conflict. Military operations in the region have forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, while Jakarta has deployed large numbers of troops. The Indonesian government maintains that West Papua is part of its sovereign territory and continues to reject independence efforts. Al Jazeera’s Joel Evans reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg5tLsYumzE

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https://en.jubi.id/three-civilians-in-maybrat-allegedly-shot-by-indonesian-navy-personnel/

3) Three Civilians in Maybrat Allegedly Shot by Indonesian Navy Personnel

News Desk August 15, 2026

Sorong, Jubi – Three civilians were reportedly shot in Muara Aifam, East Central Aifat district, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua province, on Thursday evening (Aug. 13, 2026). The alleged shooters were Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) personnel stationed at Sory Post.

The Kaki Abu Legal Aid Foundation (LBH Kaki Abu) said the victims were Anike Fatie, Silvester Assem and Selviana Sory. The three were in the vicinity of Anike Fatie’s garden in the Muara Aifam area when the incident occurred.

According to the foundation, after working at a small shelter near the garden, Anike went to a nearby river to bathe, accompanied by three dogs.

At around 5:20 p.m. local time, she heard gunshots. Anike initially thought the sound
was firecrackers. After looking around, however, she realized that it was gunfire.

LBH Kaki Abu said preliminary information indicated that Anike attempted to flee after hearing the shots. She was reportedly shot from behind and sustained a gunshot wound to her shoulder.

The three dogs accompanying her to the river were also reportedly shot. Silvester Assem, who was near the shelter, also heard the gunfire. Panicked, he attempted to leave the area and seek safety, but was reportedly shot in the thigh,
with the bullet passing through.

Another victim, Selviana Sory, who was also near the shelter, was reportedly struck by gunfire in the calf, with the bullet passing through.

Leonardo Ijie, director of LBH Kaki Abu, urged the government and military authorities to review the deployment of armed personnel in Maybrat.

He questioned whether the deployment of TNI AL personnel was in line with their mandate, security requirements and the protection of civilians.

Ijie said the alleged shooting should also be viewed in the context of the security situation ahead of Indonesia’s Independence Day on Aug. 17. He urged the government to ensure that no operations or so-called “security conditioning” measures put civilians at risk.

“We strongly question why there was an alleged shooting of civilians just days before Aug. 17. What was the objective? Who was this ‘conditioning’ intended for? People must not be made to feel afraid by the presence and use of weapons,” Ijie said on Friday (14/08/2026).

He said the alleged involvement of TNI AL personnel in the shooting must be openly
clarified.

The presence of armed personnel in civilian areas, he said, must be assessed in terms of their mandate, duties, chain of command and rules governing the use of force.

If TNI AL personnel stationed at Sory Post were indeed responsible for the shooting, Ijie said the institution must explain publicly the basis and mandate for their deployment there.

“Authorities must ensure there is no mismatch in the assignment of personnel, especially if naval personnel are deployed in inland and forest areas and civilians end up becoming victims,” he said.

He stressed that his criticism was not intended to generalize about all TNI AL personnel, but rather to question the policy governing troop deployment and the use of force in light of the alleged shooting.

If armed personnel are required in the area for a particular task, he said, the government and military must explain the basis for their deployment to the public, including the operational area, purpose of the deployment and mechanisms for supervising personnel.

Ijie also stressed that Papua must not continue to be viewed primarily through a security lens.
An overly security-focused approach, he said, risks increasing public fear and widening the gap between communities and the state.

“Do not turn Papua into a security business. Not every problem in Papua should be answered with more troops, weapons and security posts. Security forces keep being added while civilians are being shot. The government must have the courage to evaluate this approach,” he said.

Leonardo urged the Maybrat regency government not to remain silent over the alleged shooting. The local government, he said, must stand up for civilians and ensure that the victims receive medical treatment and legal protection.

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) was also urged to visit the
area and conduct an independent investigation into the alleged shooting. (*)

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/427355/govt-calls-for-peace-in-aceh-security-stability-in-papua

4) Govt calls for peace in Aceh, security stability in Papua 

 August 16, 2026 21:19 GMT+700

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has called on all elements of society to maintain peace in Aceh and stability in Papua by expressing political aspirations strictly through lawful, non-violent means.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, Djamari emphasized that while freedom of speech is guaranteed by the Constitution, public demonstrations must not involve violence, destruction, or disrespect toward state symbols.

The minister’s statement comes in the wake of recent tensions in Banda Aceh, where demonstrators removed the national Red and White flag and damaged the Garuda Pancasila emblem at the governor's official residence during commemorations marking two decades of peace.

"We must safeguard peace in Aceh together. The Red and White Flag and the Garuda Pancasila—as symbols of the state—must be respected," Djamari noted.

He directed security forces to conduct an objective investigation into the removal of the flag and desecration of state symbols protected under Law No. 24 of 2009.

"If elements of a criminal act are found, the perpetrators must be prosecuted firmly and fairly in accordance with applicable law," Djamari said.

At the same time, local instability erupted in Central Papua's Puncak Regency, where mass protests over the disbursement of Village Funds escalated into arson.

Unrest led to the burning of seven local administrative structures—including the Puncak Regent’s office and parliament buildings—and left several security officers injured during clashes.

Addressing the situation in Papua, the minister reiterated that the government fully respects the right of Papuans to voice their opinions, but warned against using public demonstrations as a pretext for criminal behavior.

"The expression of aspirations must be carried out peacefully and conducively. Do not be easily provoked. Any perpetrators of violence and violations of the law that disrupt public security will be dealt with firmly," Djamari asserted.

Head of the ministry's Public Relations, Data and Information Bureau, Brigadier General Honi Havana, confirmed that security authorities are closely monitoring developments in both regions.

Havana stated that the ministry is actively coordinating with the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police (Polri), and local governments to prevent further escalation and maintain public safety, while urging citizens to disregard unverified rumors circulating online.

Related news: Minister Sjamsoeddin seeks to boost defense in Papua

Related news: Papua governor urges to end destabilizing activities

Related news: 2004 tsunami opened door for peace in Aceh: acting governor

Translator: Laily Rahmawaty, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Azis Kurmala

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/427275/papua-highlands-govt-funds-500-students-at-home-and-abroad

5) Papua Highlands govt funds 500 students at home and abroad  

August 16, 2026 10:20 GMT+700

Wamena, Papua Highlands (ANTARA) - The Papua Highlands provincial government is funding the higher education of 500 local students at universities in Indonesia and overseas, with the program scheduled to end this year. acting Education and Culture Agency Chief Simon Sembor said .

Speaking here Saturday, he said the government was still funding 500 students enrolled at universities domestically and abroad.

"We are still funding 500 students under the Papua Excellent Students Program, which began in 2017 when the Papua Highlands was part of Papua Province," he said.

Funding for the 500 students at various universities in Indonesia and overseas will end this year, Simon said, adding that residents should know that but another education program will be launched after it concludes.

For the 2027 higher education program, students sent to universities will be selected based on regional needs, following the governor's direction, he said.

"Next year's program will prioritize fields with job opportunities, including health specialists, natural-resource management specialists and specialized schools. We will fund only selected fields, not every university major," he said.

The government had allocated about 50 billion rupiah (US$3.1 million) to fund the 500 students under the Papua Excellent Students Program through this year, he said.

"We are allocating about 50 billion rupiah to fund the program, which began in 2017 and ends this year. We hope supported students return and help develop the region," he added.

Related news: Central Papua allocates Rp77.8 bln for free education

Related news: Central Papua bets on teacher quality for stronger education system

Translator: Yudhi E, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti

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https://en.jubi.id/merauke-archbishop-calls-for-peace-as-catholic-church-marks-121-years-in-papua-selatan/

6) Merauke Archbishop Calls for Peace as Catholic Church Marks 121 Years in Papua Selatan

News Desk August 15, 2026

8Merauke, Jubi – Merauke Archbishop Mgr. Petrus Canisius Mandagi has called on Catholics to embrace love, forgiveness and peace in responding to continuing violence in Papua, including Papua Selatan.

He delivered the appeal during his homily at a Mass marking 121 years since the Catholic Church’s mission began in Papua Selatan. The celebration was held at the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue park near Mopah Airport in Merauke and attended by thousands of Catholics from Merauke Regency on Friday (Aug. 14, 2026).

In his homily, Archbishop Mandagi said he was saddened by the violence continuing to occur in Papua. He referred to recent violence in Central Papua, where several government offices were burned.

“Violence is also happening in Papua, including Papua Selatan. Recently, violence occurred in Central Papua, and government offices were burned. It is sad to see all of this,” Mandagi said.

He said violence also remains a concern in Merauke, pointing to street robberies, excessive alcohol consumption and drunkenness, as well as acts of violence between individuals that suggest violence is increasingly being treated as an ordinary way of resolving problems. He questioned whether such behavior reflected the teachings of Christ.

“Is this really right? Is this the teaching of Christ, the Catholic faith? Of course not. It contradicts Christ’s teaching, which is love,” he said.

Mandagi said the 121st anniversary of the Catholic mission in Papua Selatan should be an opportunity for Catholics to revive the value of love in their daily lives.

“The Sacred Heart of Jesus, where we are celebrating today, reminds us of love. The heart points us toward love,” he said.

He also noted that economic growth and improvements in living standards do not automatically make the world more peaceful. Instead, he said, human life continues to be marked by various forms of violence and conflict.

Mandagi therefore highlighted the late Pope Francis’ message on the importance of forgiveness. He said forgiveness is a remedy capable of healing wounds and restoring peace.

“For Pope Francis, forgiveness is a medicine that heals. A person who does not forgive is a person who is wounded and has no peace,” he said.

He reminded the congregation of Jesus’ teaching to forgive not merely seven times, but “seventy times seven times.”

Mandagi said Jesus himself had demonstrated the power of forgiveness, including by forgiving those who harmed him. He also cited Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II as examples of people who demonstrated forgiveness.

Mandela, he said, was able to forgive those who had tortured him during his years in prison. Pope John Paul II, meanwhile, forgave Mehmet Ali Ağca, who shot and wounded the pontiff at the Vatican in 1981.

“Those acts became symbols that violence can be replaced by love and forgiveness. The bullets of violence can be replaced by the bullets of love and forgiveness,” Mandagi said.

As the Catholic mission in Papua Selatan enters its 121st year, Mandagi called on Catholics to engage in self-reflection and repentance. He invoked the principle Ecclesia semper reformanda, meaning that the Church must continually renew and reform itself.

“We are not saints. We are not people without sin. I often say that sin is something every person is capable of, but repentance is our duty,” he said.

He stressed that the 121st anniversary should not be reduced to a ceremonial celebration but should bring about tangible change in the lives of Catholics and the wider community.

“The Catholic Church has been here for 121 years. We cannot remain the same. Perhaps violence is widespread and there is no forgiveness,” he said.

Mandagi urged Catholics to respond to hatred with love, wrongdoing with forgiveness, despair with hope and sadness with joy.

“Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is wrongdoing, let me bring the spirit of forgiveness. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy,” he said.

He expressed hope that the 121st anniversary of the Catholic mission in Papua Selatan would become a moment for Catholics and the wider community to move away from violence and build a life grounded in love, forgiveness and peace.

Meanwhile, Merauke Regent Yoseph Bladib Gebze said the Catholic Church and the government have long been strategic partners in serving communities across Papua Selatan.

He said the 121st anniversary of the Catholic mission, coming ahead of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, was an opportunity to reflect on the struggles of previous generations while considering the challenges facing the region today.

Gebze said missionaries had faced numerous challenges from the beginning of their work, including Dutch colonial policies, Papua Selatan’s geographical conditions, inter-tribal tensions and the aftermath of World War II.

The challenges facing the current generation, however, are different. One of the main priorities, he said, is developing human resources with the knowledge and skills needed to drive development.

“Has the current generation prepared people with sufficient knowledge and capacity to continue the work of those who came before us?” he asked.

Gebze said the current generation has inherited the legacy of missionaries, teachers, nuns, brothers and priests who served communities across Papua Selatan.

He therefore said their work must continue and adapt to the challenges of the times through education, human resource development and cooperation between the Church and government.

“The history of the missionaries’ work is the foundation, while the responsibility of the current generation is to build on that foundation through education, strengthening human resources, cooperation between the Church and government, and a life grounded in love and brotherhood,” he said. (*)

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