Indonesia: tensions mount in Papua
Jun 24 2008
Postings >> Indonesia

Simmering tensions between Muslims and Christians in Papua are threatening to erupt into violence, according to a report by the International Crisis Group (ICG).

ICG reports that Christians and Muslims alike in the region are discontent. Christians feel threatened by the steady influx of Muslims from other parts of Indonesia into what has long been a predominantly Christian area: Muslims fear discrimination or expulsion.

'The potential for communal conflict is high in Papua because both sides consider themselves aggrieved,' says Sidney Jones, senior advisor for ICG. Papua is made up of two provinces on the western side of New Guinea island.

Last year, the different faith communities nearly came to blows in Manokwari, in western Papua, when Christians protested over plans to build a mosque and Islamic centre in an area of historic significance for the Papuan church. In Kaimana, to the south-west, Muslims responded angrily to plans to erect an iron tower in the shape of a Christmas tree topped with a Star of David in a public park, according to Reuters.

Relations between the two communities are also strained for historic reasons. The indigenous Christian community has been pushing for Papua's independence from the rest of Indonesia for more than 30 years. Muslims tend to favour centralised rule from Jakarta.

The 'separatist threat' has become a pretext for the Indonesian security forces to make life a misery for Christians in Papua. Last month, Amnesty International reported that church leaders in Papua were increasingly the target of threats and attacks by security forces.

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO) claims that the Indonesian military are launching 'sweeps' on villages in Papua's central highlands, checking for anything that might pass as a separatist symbol. Unconfirmed reports suggest that these forces are operating with 'great brutality', driving many villagers from their homes.

Pray for improved relations between moderate Muslims and Christians in Papua.

Pray for Papua's church as it withstands increasing discrimination and abuse at the hands of the security forces.