Papuan Religious Leader: Hope Lost, People Cling Only to the Cross Amidst Conflict

Hope has evaporated in Papua, leaving its people with nothing but the cross to hold onto, according to Lipiyus Biniluk, the head of the Papua Provincial Harmony Forum for Religious Communities (FKUB).

Speaking at a conference on the current situation in Papua in Jakarta on July 16, 2026, Pendeta Lipiyus expressed his anguish. "Our hope is that there will be no more tears, our hope is that there will be no more bloodshed on the land of Papua, enough is enough. Because there is no more hope, Papuans only hold the cross, nothing else," he said, his voice trembling.

He described how Papuans carry crosses wherever they go, stating, "If you could see, they carry crosses. Where can they run to? Only the cross." Lipiyus also noted that discussions about Papua require more than just a short time, likening the situation to a severe illness needing a specialist doctor. This sentiment stems from the escalating conflict in the region.

Data from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) reveals a grim reality for the first half of 2026. Commissioner Atnike Nova Sigiro reported 42 violent incidents, primarily involving armed groups and security forces, resulting in 59 deaths, mostly civilians. The ongoing armed conflict has also driven over 100,000 people to become internally displaced, particularly in the Central Papua and Highland Papua provinces, according to Amiruddin Al-Rahab of the Papua Team. He urged the government to prioritize the needs of these refugees, especially women and children, concerning health, education, and temporary housing.