As ceremonies marked the National Police's 60th anniversary Saturday, Papuans observed the moment uniquely, holding a bakar batu, or "burning the stone" thanksgiving ritual.

Residents from 42 villages in Jayawijaya regency's three districts prepared a communal meal, cooking it with hot stones before sharing it together.

In the process, the stones were heated before being placed in a hole and then covered with banana leaves and grass. The food – pork, corn and vegetables – was then placed on top of the stones and covered with more banana leafs. The food was cooked by the steam coming from the hot stones, giving the ritual its name.

The Saturday event was held after Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Tommy Jacobus opened Bolakme police precinct to celebrate the anniversary.

Chief of Central Wamena tribe Pianok Tabuni said the ritual was to show gratitude for rise of the local police office's status from a police post to police precinct.

"This event is also intended to show people's gratitude to the police who ensure people's safety," he said. (JP/Nethy Dharma Somba)