JourneyOnline
Rev. Hermann Saud, the retiring Moderator of the Evangelical Christian Church in the Land of Papua, has appealed to the Uniting Church to raise concerns throughout the world concerning escalating violence in West Papua.
A series of demonstrations against the giant Freeport Mine near Timika turned ugly during the third week of March and four Indonesian security personnel were attacked and killed in Jayapura. Police reprisals were vicious. Dormitories were raided and many students were detained. Others fled into the hills. An unknown number of people have been killed or injured.
Acting National Director for Uniting International Mission Rev John Mavor said Papuan leaders are committed to their region as a “Land of Peace" but this declaration is now very fragile as more para-military arrive to add to the massive number of troops in the area (some suggest as many as 45,000 security personnel are now in West Papua).
"Local people are increasingly anxious and frustrated as promised reforms have not been realised. The ongoing exploitation of Papua’s rich natural resources is providing no relief to Papua’s alarming mortality rates while HIV/AIDs is now a serious threat to the indigenous population," he said.
"The Assembly Standing Committee has noted these concerns and is urging the Australian Government to call for restraint in West Papua. The Assembly Standing Committee is also urging the Australian Government to encourage more dialogue between Papuan religious leaders and Papuan community leaders with Jakarta.
"Tensions must be eased and a way forward needs to be found. Papuans feel they have their backs to the wall. Few options remain for a just and peaceful future.
Three UCA representatives attended the recent General Synod of the Evangelical Christian Church in the Land of Papua in the highland town of Wamena from February 28 to March 6. Rev. John Barr (UIM), Ms Lyn Leane and Rev. John Minchin (SA Synod) spent time at the synod and then traveled to Jayapura and Biak where a number of UCA supported projects are being set up.
Ms Shelly Houghton (Queensland Synod) is serving as a UCA assisted volunteer in Jayapura at STIE Ottow dan Geissler, an economics and management college. This college operates under our partner church and Shelly is teaching English. She is also developing a number of important community development programs. STIE Ottow dan Geissler is close to where the recent violence took place.
More information on West Papua is available on the UIM web site www.uim.uca.org.au or on email jbarr@nat.uca.org.au.
Photo : Acting National Director for Uniting International Mission Rev John Mavor
