SENTANI – Acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, continues to strengthen synergy with all strategic elements in Papua, including meeting with indigenous leaders as a form of respect for local values and the customary landowners. The meeting took place at Hotel Suni Sentani, Papua, on Wednesday (July 8, 2025).

The event began with a customary welcoming ceremony and the presentation of a traditional hat by the tribal chief. This symbolized the official acceptance of the indigenous community towards Fatoni’s presence and leadership as Acting Governor of Papua.

“We express our gratitude for the warm welcome and extraordinary support, which strengthens, empowers, and motivates us to advance Papua and realize a prosperous society,” said Fatoni.

“Customary law is an essential part of Papua and an inseparable part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Indigenous leaders play a key role in maintaining peace and territorial integrity,” he added.

On this occasion, Fatoni invited all indigenous communities to jointly ensure the success of the upcoming re-vote for the Governor and Deputy Governor elections. This effort aims to maintain harmony and a conducive atmosphere within society.

“Furthermore, we need to preserve Papua’s image. Currently, all eyes are on us, because the PSU is the only remaining regional election in Indonesia. Not only nationally but internationally, people will watch how well we conduct this re-vote,” Fatoni explained.

“I hope we continue to encourage the public and the faithful that this election is very important, to use their voting rights wisely and to maintain harmony and a peaceful environment,” he continued.

At the same event, Ondoafi Organes Kaiway, an Indigenous Leader from Jayapura Regency, welcomed the steps taken by Acting Governor Agus Fatoni. He described the meeting as a historic moment, where a newly inaugurated Acting Governor immediately met with customary leaders shortly after arriving in Papua.

“This is the first time this has happened: a regional leader comes straight off the plane to greet us, the rightful landowners. This is a great show of respect for Papua’s customs,” he said.

It is hoped that this gathering will serve as the foundational beginning to build trust, collaboration, and synergy between the government and indigenous communities in ensuring the success of the revote and maintaining Papua as a peaceful land for all citizens of the nation. ***