Holy Week among the poor on Papua's farthest frontiers
Two Indonesian SCJ missionaries bear witness to their ministry among Catholic communities in the Diocese of Timika, hours by boat and foot from the parish headquarters. Celebrating the Eucharist of Palms Sunday amid extreme hunger, one asked: “If Jesus were the one coming here, what would He do?” The generosity of those who have nothing is a tangible sign of Christ's love.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Two Dehonian priests are experiencing Holy Week among Catholic communities in some of the remote parts of Indonesia.
Fathers Yohanes Haryoto and Paulus Driyan Suwandi, who live their mission in the parish of Maria Stella Maris in Kokonau, in the Diocese of Timika on the island of Papua, spoke to AsiaNews.
Amid hardship and poverty, they are present as living signs of love and hope for the faithful. In this context, they experienced the Palm Sunday at the missionary station of Aikawapuka. Around 175 people received Holy Communion, many of them children.
“I am among people who are poor, hungry, and malnourished. If Jesus were the one coming here, what would He do? Perhaps He would say, ‘You give them something to eat now’ to face the dire situation on the ground,” said Fr Haryoto.
Realising he could not offer material goods in abundance, he chose instead to give what he could as a priest: the Word of God, the Body of Christ, and a blessing.
Fr Yohanes also reflects on the spontaneity and simplicity of the liturgy. Songs not in sync with the liturgical season, a peaceful song during the reading of the Passion, even a Christmas carol sung during Communion. In all that, he saw a deep spiritual presence.
“I imagined they were already in heaven – in their simplicity, innocence, even foolishness… They seemed to exist beyond time. Timeless,” he explained.
Fr Paulus Driyan Suwandi has been carrying out his ministry in this parish for six years, with its vast and demanding mission territory. He regularly visits five stations scattered along the southern coast of the Arafura Sea, some of which require great effort to reach.
The furthest is Unito Station, which requires an eight-hour boat trip from Kokonao, followed by another hour and a half by overland van and a final stretch on foot.
“Despite the distance, I feel spiritually close to these communities. Each station has its own character, and they always try to prepare well for the Eucharist,” Fr Paulus said.
While living off what the land and sea provide - vegetables, game animals and fishing - these people are known for their generosity. They never fail to share what they have with the visiting priest.
These stories reflect how priests in mission areas are not only sacramental ministers but also friends and companions to the people. Amid poverty and isolation, they become tangible signs of Christ’s love – ringing comfort, strength, and hope.
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