Meeting Papuan Priest Ma'ruf Invites to Maintain Unity

Meeting Papuan Priest Ma'ruf Invites to Maintain Unity

Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin received a visit from a number of Papuan priests at his residence, Jalan Situbondo, Menteng, Jakarta, yesterday. This meeting discussed the condition of Papua which was recently hit by riots.
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After the meeting, Ma'ruf said the priests from Papua and West Papua expressed concern over the events experienced in Papua and West Papua in recent times. They, said Ma'ruf, wanted the role of religious leaders to maintain wholeness in Papua and all Indonesian people.
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"Because we as a nation are a unity of Indonesia. We are not only Javanese, but we are also Papua, we are Sumatra, we are Indonesia. How do we love each other and love each other," explained Ma'ruf.
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"A softer approach, a more cultural approach to the people of Papua. We will also certainly make efforts to consolidate together also, both from the ulema council, and from Nahdlatul Ulama yes," he said.
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Ma'ruf gave an example of how close the Papuans are to the fourth Indonesian President KH Abdurrahman Wahid or respected Gus Dur in Papua. "How Gus Dur used to make efforts so that Papuans felt treated with great respect," he explained.
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Meanwhile, the vicar representative, Richard said the meeting with Ma'ruf Amin was to convey hope for the citizens of Papua. Richard stressed that Papuans do not want to be differentiated with other Indonesian citizens.
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"All parties must contribute to safeguarding peace in Papua and West Papua. We are one within the framework of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia. And this is an honor given to us to be able to express our hope that Papua will no longer be provoked to cause a commotion," said Richard.
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He hoped that Ma'ruf could speak out to MUI and NU throughout the country, especially in Papua and West Papua so that they could unite with other religious leaders to create a peaceful West Papua.