Indonesian VP urges Christians to maintain tolerance, harmony

Biak Numfor, The Gulf Observer: Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has urged Christians in Biak Numfor District, Papua, to help maintain tolerance, mutual respect, and harmony among religious denominations in the region.

At a Christmas celebration event with Biak Numfor authorities, residents, and the police and military at Biak Numfor’s Cenderawasih Field, the vice president said that Christians must love each other as themselves.

“Through this Christmas celebration, we must continue to maintain harmony and religious tolerance to spread messages of peace for Indonesia,” he said here on Thursday.

Residents must also support the development promoted by the government in Papua by working honestly.

“As evangelist IS Kijne once said, those who work loyally and honestly will discover one miracle to another miracle,” he remarked, drawing applause from residents.

Amin also conveyed Christmas greetings to all Christians in Papua and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Biak Numfor District Head Herry Ario Naap welcomed Amin’s presence at the Christmas commemoration in Biak and described it as a historical event that will be remembered by all residents.

“We express our gratitude over the presence of the vice president and cabinet ministers. We hope it will be a blessing for the Papuan land, particularly Biak Numfor District,” Naap remarked.

He informed Amin that his administration is focusing on three priority programs: developing Biak as a national fish barn, supporting the Sail Cenderawasih event, and advancing public aspirations for a North Papua Province.

Minister of Investment and Head of the Investment Coordination Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia Deputy Home Minister John Wempi Wetipo, and regional officials also attended the Christmas celebration.

The vice president’s agenda during his visit to Biak Numfor on December 1–2, 2022, also included inaugurating an integrated business center building and an integrated fishery production center.