For the first time, the Minister of Religion gave a speech on the Day of the Evangelization of the Land of Papua

The celebration of thanksgiving for the 167th year of the Gospel Preaching Day (HPI), or what is often called the Inji, has entered the Land of Papua.

At that moment, the first time the Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas gave a speech through a 5-minute video. The activity was enthusiastically welcomed by residents, and was attended by 3000 people.
 
In his virtual remarks, Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said HPI in Papua is commemorated every February 5 and has become a special holiday in Papua Province.

HPI is celebrated to commemorate the intention of 2 German missionaries, namely Otto and Geisler, who first arrived on Mansinam Island, West Papua on February 5, 1855, to spread Christian teachings.

This event marked the beginning of the transformation in the land of Papua, formerly known as New Guinea which was still covered in darkness in all aspects, to a new civilization thanks to the development carried out by the church and government.

"Papua is actually a peaceful land, even though the majority of Papuans are Christians, but the life of inter-religious harmony in the easternmost province of the unitary Republic of Indonesia is maintained in harmony in the life of the nation and state," he said.

According to him, inter-religious harmony in Papua has been well established, because each individual prioritizes togetherness and respects differences in belief.

The situation and condition of the Papuan people who uphold the spirit of tolerance in various lives. "We need to keep this situation awake because this is a big capital in building a peaceful, self-sufficient and just Papua," he added.

Furthermore, Cholil Qoumas explained that in line with religious moderation echoed by the current government, it continues to encourage religious moderation as a step to foster tolerance in social life. So that tri-religious harmony, namely inter-religious harmony, inter-religious harmony and harmony between religious communities and the government can be realized.
 
"For this reason, the main values that form the foundation of tolerance are expected to grow from religions through their teachings and practices," he said.

"Love your neighbor as yourself". This is a command from Jesus the great teacher, for that he hopes, this teaching can be implemented and put into practice that those who are not your brothers in faith are your brothers in humanity.

In addition, as the Minister of Religion, I hope that Christians in Papua will remain and continue to be role models in tolerance and humanity, and not be trapped in excessive fanaticism, so that what is our common goal can be realized, namely religion as a means to achieve God's pleasure. in a life of peace and harmony.

"Finally, the momentum of the 167-year evangelistic day in Papua is interpreted as the awakening of Papua, towards a peaceful Papua, Independent, Prosperous and just and remains united in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," explained Cholil Qoumas.

Responding to this, the Head of the Union of Papuan Churches (PGGP) Rev. Hizkia Rollo said the view of the Minister of Religion was extraordinary, related to togetherness and harmony.

"If this togetherness and harmony are maintained well, then all development processes in Papua will proceed well. Without these two things, the development process on this land will not run well, explained Hezkia.

For this reason, the hope of the Minister of Religion earlier, it will be a unity for us to find common ground, where we collaborate with the government in which there are religious shops, to build this land towards a better Papua.
 
Meanwhile, Rev. Dorman Wandikbo told the truth that the Papuan people love peace and to this day the gospel has entered Papua until it has reached 167 years, Papua has not experienced any religious conflicts.

"For this reason, Indonesia must learn from us Papuans, how to maintain religious tolerance on this land," he said.

In line with that, the Chairperson of the 167th HPI Committee, who is also the Chairperson of the Papuan DPR, Jhony Banua Rouw said it was related to what was conveyed by the Minister of Religion earlier. That the situation and condition of the Papuan people who uphold the spirit of tolerance in various lives needs to be maintained because this is a big capital in building a peaceful Papua, Independent, Prosperous and just.

"This is what we want to convey that other regions must follow our example in Papua, because so far, tolerance for religious life and togetherness has been maintained," said Banua Rouw.

"In other places, there are many who prohibit one religion from worshiping and so on. In Papua the majority are Christians, but there are many mosques standing here and there without any restrictions," he continued.
Even during Eid, Christian youths look after the Muslims who worship, on the other hand, at Christmas, Muslim youths are involved in maintaining peace during worship.

Meanwhile. Reverend James Wambrauw also appreciated the Minister who gave a speech and hoped it would happen every year.

"We are in a land of peace and we appreciate the minister, who has given remarks and been involved in the day of spreading the gospel, and this is history so that this momentum is for more peace and prosperity in the future," he concluded.

SOURCE: https://kabarpapua.co/pertama-kalinya-menteri-agama-beri-sambutan-di-hari-pekabaran-injil-tanah-papua/