SENTANI – At the start of his tenure in the Land of the Bird of Paradise, Acting Governor of Papua Agus Fatoni held a courtesy visit with the Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) and the Papua Churches Fellowship (PGGP). On this occasion, Fatoni called on them to jointly maintain peace in Papua.

“I intentionally met with religious leaders and then indigenous leaders immediately upon landing from Jakarta to Papua, because these two elements are the strength of society,” said Fatoni at Hotel Suni Sentani, Papua, Wednesday (July 9, 2025).

Fatoni said the meeting marked an initial momentum to build synergy with religious and indigenous leaders as key pillars of social life in Papua. He also appreciated the active role of FKUB and PGGP in maintaining harmony and unity.

He emphasized that religious and indigenous leaders are strategic elements in keeping Papua peaceful and united, especially ahead of the upcoming re-vote which is only happening in Papua Province.

“Our immediate task is to carry out the regional elections, to choose our leaders, who will determine Papua’s progress. I hope we can maintain a conducive atmosphere, and religious leaders are the role models for the community,” Fatoni explained.

“When religious leaders call for brotherhood, unity, and togetherness, there will certainly be no problems and no conflicts. Therefore, I ask for the support of all religious leaders, community leaders, and indigenous leaders to jointly maintain this conducive climate and continue to preserve it,” he continued.

Furthermore, Fatoni said he would carry out his duties as Acting Governor to the best of his ability, especially in ensuring the smooth running of governance and development aimed at community welfare.

“There are many hopes and inputs I have heard, and these will be our notes as we work together to realize a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Papua,” he said.

At the same event, the Chair of FKUB and also the Leader of PGGP Papua, Reverend Lipius Biniluk, along with representatives of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, expressed their appreciation for the Acting Governor’s initiative to start his duties by meeting with Papua’s religious leaders. They fully support the peaceful implementation of the revote, reject identity politics, and urge the importance of maintaining brotherhood among religious communities as a reflection of Papua as a shared home for all citizens of the nation. ***