role of faith groups

A survey in 2003 found that religious institutions were the institution most highly respected among people in West Papua, particularly indigenous Papuans. As confidence in the government and other social institutions has eroded, religious leaders and institutions earn the greatest trust, which also gives them the greatest potential in building peace and justice.

In recent years, religious leaders in West Papua's largest town, Jayapura, have been working to build ties of communication and trust between the major faith groups in West Papua. They engage in dialogue, work to address problems together, issue statements on issues of concern and make public demonstrations of their solidarity and unity.

Promoting tolerance

Religious leaders set an example for tolerance and understanding between different faiths in the community. One highly symbolic display of interfaith unity was an interfaith prayer march in Jayapura in 2002. Bishop Leo Ladjar, who was one of the religious figures leading the march, described how each of the religious communities participating offered prayers at places of worship along the route.

'It was a wealth of experience! Although there were differences in accentuation, the feelings of friendship and kindredhood that we shared pointed out that the god we worship is one and the same.'

Aside from interfaith exchange, religious leaders and institutions have a vital role to play within their own faith communities in promoting peace and respect for difference. The teachings of all of the major religions in West Papua stress respect for others, fairness, tolerance and love of peace. Muslim cleric Zubier Hussein explained (at Progressio's [known at the time as CIIR] roundtable of interfaith cooperation in West Papua and Mindanao held in February 2003) how the teachings of Islam extol respect for diversity.

'Islam exhorts that all people have the same dignity, prestige and status; that no one group in society is better than the other, whether a nation, a religion, a social class or a political group.'

Religious leaders also play an important role acting within their faith communities to resolve problems and calm emotions when potential conflict situations emerge. They work to prevent tensions from spreading, quell rumours and seek fair resolution of the problem. These efforts make an inestimable contribution to peace by ensuring that 'sparks' do not light larger 'fires'.

Tackling injustice

Religious institutions in West Papua also work at addressing the very real problems of injustice and welfare encountered by Papuans in their daily lives, such as poor standards of education, inadequate health care and economic disadvantage.

The Christian churches and Muslim organisations run many schools, including those in very remote areas. They are also involved in community development projects that help to address socio-economic disadvantage. The poorly-resourced government health service is supplemented by the work of religious organisations in providing primary healthcare.

Papuan women, often driven by urgent concerns for the welfare of their communities, have also worked to forge alliances across faith or ethnic differences. Women find commonality in their faiths and their daily concerns, and this is a powerful motive force to work for the betterment of their communities.

Women often play an active and significant role in the charitable work of religious organisations, in particular by supporting the welfare and rights of women who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Defending human rights

Some religious organisations in West Papua also take an active role in advocacy. The Offices of Justice and Peace of the Catholic church have a strong record in defending human rights. In 1996, members of the Catholic and Protestant churches in Papua collaborated to set up a working group for peace and justice, which later became one of West Papua's most influential human rights organisations.

These agencies and other human rights NGOs have monitored human rights abuses, reported on rights violations to national and international authorities, and advocated for the rule of law and respect for human rights in West Papua. They have also been active in educating Papuan communities about human rights - the kind of knowledge which is vital to ensure that people can stand up for their rights when faced with oppression, exploitation or discrimination.

Interfaith advocacy

There is also a growing momentum for interfaith advocacy, with religious leaders in West Papua putting forward a common position on issues of public policy and practice. Religious leaders have produced statements and sought to engage with the authorities.

For example, in 2000 when conflict between Muslim and Christian groups in other parts of Indonesia threatened to spill over to West Papua, religious leaders worked together to push the government to take appropriate actions and criticised the security forces for atrocities they had committed.

In 2002, religious figures mandated a team of humanitarian workers to investigate a suspected case of human rights violations in Wamena. The team's report was taken up by the National Human Rights Commission, and on the back of lobbying by religious leaders, the case is likely to go to trial.

In August 2004, following the election of members to the regional legislature, religious leaders sent an appeal to all newly elected members calling on them to serve the community as moral people of faith in order to bring about truth, justice and welfare. In this way, religious leaders are seeking to mobilise their influence, credibility and the teachings of their faiths to encourage change in the conditions that undermine the prospects for peace and justice in West Papua.

The Papuan experience shows how religions - including institutions, leaders and communities of faith - have much to contribute to peace, justice, rights and welfare. As a social institution and a body of faith, religion is at the heart of Papuan society and the core of efforts to ensure justice and rights for all.