The Diocese of Jayapura wants refugees to be allowed home for Christmas
In the mountains of Indonesian Papua, new military operations against separatists have forced hundreds of people to flee into the forest. Bishop Matopai You has appealed to the authorities to ensure the refugees go home, and is also mobilising parishes to help those who fled.
Jayapura (AsiaNews) – Government forces and pro-independence groups have clashed recently in Indonesian Papua, displacing civilians. This has put the spotlight back on a decades-old but largely forgotten conflict in the vast and resource-rich region, which occupies the westernmost part of the island of Papua, also known as New Guinea.
Reacting to the latest developments Bishop Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You of Jayapura said that those displaced should be allowed to return home for Christmas.
The prelate called for an end to all military operations in Bintang Mountains Regency, which is on the border with Papua New Guinea, and urged all security personnel to regroup and keep their distance from fleeing Papuan civilians.
At least 401 Papuan refugees have sought temporary refuge and safety in Oksop Regency.
“We have established an independent investigation team from Jayapura Diocese, local Papuan Franciscan JPIC (Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation) and Protestant Church GIDI’s Human Rights Group to investigate the case,” reads the bishop’s public appeal.
At the same time, the diocese has launched a fundraiser in all parishes asking the faithful to help make it possible for refugees to return home.
This action is more significant since Bishop Matopai You is the first indigenous Papuan appointed by the Holy See to the episcopal see in one of Indonesian Papua’s five dioceses.
According to the bishop, security forces launched an operation in early December, forcing people seeking refuge to move.
Most fled into the deep, thick forest, which has likely made them vulnerable from lack of food and psychological stress, among other things.
“As (temporary) refugees (in their homeland), these people have certainly suffered from psychological stress and food shortages,” said the bishop. “That’s why I strongly urged all priests and our Catholic congregations to show empathy and compassion with them. Please kindly help (me) bring them back home with your donations,” he added.
The prelate urged all parishes to collect basic necessities such as rice, milk, instant noodles, cooking oil, eggs and money.
University students from Bintang Mountains studying in Jayapura have also set up a collection point at the Waena all-men dormitory complex.
One of them, Binius Kakyarmabin and other students expressed concern that the initiative should also be open to non-Papuan university students.
“We are ready to accept all assistance and food-and-beverage deliveries from all parties to address this issue,” he said.
ECCLESIA IN ASIA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SUNDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
.png)
31/10/2022 13:34
02/02/2023 15:02
