JAYAPURA – Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, attended a joint worship service with the extended family of the Maluku Family Association (IKEMAL) Papua in Jayapura as part of efforts to strengthen the spirit of unity among fellow citizens in Papua. (July 2)

In his remarks, the Acting Governor emphasized the importance of nurturing brotherhood across ethnic and cultural lines as a fundamental foundation for building a peaceful and progressive Papua. “We are all children of this nation. The Pela Gandong tradition that lives within the Maluku community must continue to be preserved as a symbol of harmony, togetherness, and love among one another, especially here in the Land of Cenderawasih,” he said.

In addition, the Acting Governor called on all IKEMAL Papua members to actively participate in the Re-Vote for the Papua Governor and Deputy Governor election scheduled for August 6, 2025. “Our collective participation will greatly determine the direction of Papua's future,” he added.

The Chair of IKEMAL Papua, who is also the Head of the Papua Provincial Education Department, Christian Solihait, expressed his gratitude for the presence of the Acting Governor, Acting Regional Secretary, and heads of provincial government agencies, as well as for the Papua Provincial Government's support for this worship service. He affirmed that the number of IKEMAL members in Papua is significant and that they have tremendous potential to contribute to Papua’s development.

“Let’s join hands, preserve unity, and help make the PSU a success. The choice is in each of our hearts, but our shared commitment must remain the same: for a better Papua,” he stressed.

The service was led by Pastor Cleopatriza Ruhulessin, who centered the sermon on the wisdom from Proverbs 3:13-14. She urged everyone to live wisely, arrange their lives better, and maintain peace and harmony in Papua.

This event served as an important moment to strengthen national unity among Papua’s multicultural society, while also offering a spiritual space that reinforced the spirit of cooperation in welcoming a more prosperous and inclusive future for Papua. ***