Jayapura, Jubi – The Indonesian Christian Forum (FUKRI) has issued a statement expressing concern over the armed conflict in Papua, saying the prolonged violence has evolved into a structural humanitarian crisis and urging the government to prioritize dialogue over military measures.
The forum, which comprises Indonesia's major Christian denominations – including the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), the Communion of Pentecostal Churches in Indonesia (PGPI), the Communion of Evangelical Churches and Institutions in Indonesia (PGLII), the Indonesian Baptist Fellowship (PBI), the Salvation Army, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Indonesian Orthodox Church – said decades after Papua's integration into Indonesia, the region continues to suffer from unresolved humanitarian wounds.
According to FUKRI, the armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has claimed lives from all sides, including Indigenous Papuans, non-Papuan civilians, security personnel, and others caught in the violence.
The forum said women, children, religious leaders, healthcare workers, teachers, farmers, and Indigenous communities remain the groups most vulnerable to the conflict.
"The recent tragedies in Intan Jaya and other conflict-affected areas demonstrate that Papua's humanitarian crisis is no longer incidental, but a recurring structural crisis without a dignified resolution," FUKRI said in a statement received by Jubi on Thursday.
The forum said reports indicate that women – including pregnant women – and other civilians face heightened risks amid ongoing violence and displacement.
At the same time, it said the government continues to strengthen its security approach through the deployment of additional non-organic military units, the construction of new defence facilities, and increased security personnel in connection with national strategic development projects.
FUKRI questioned whether the expanding security presence addresses the needs of Indigenous Papuans or instead deepens fear, mistrust, and suffering among civilians.
"True security grows out of justice, respect for human dignity, protection of citizens' rights, and a genuine willingness to engage in dialogue," the statement said.
The forum said its position is rooted not only in Christian faith but also in Indonesia's constitutional commitment to protect all citizens. It cited Articles 28A and 28I of the 1945 Constitution, which guarantee the right to life as a fundamental, non-derogable human right.
According to FUKRI, all state policies – including security policies in Papua – should be measured by whether they protect human life and dignity.
The forum expressed deep concern over what it described as an unending humanitarian crisis in Papua, stressing that lasting peace can only be built on truth, justice, love, and freedom.
"We grieve that the conflict in Papua has continued to claim lives for decades," the statement said.
"Every victim – whether an Indigenous Papuan, migrant resident, member of the security forces, or anyone else – is a fellow human being created in the image of God. No political or security objective can justify the loss of human dignity and life."
FUKRI called on all armed parties, including state security forces and non-state armed groups, to immediately cease violence and place the safety of civilians above all other interests.
The forum also urged the Indonesian government to conduct a comprehensive review of its security approach in Papua, arguing that decades of military-dominated policies have failed to deliver a just and lasting peace.
Instead, it said, such policies have contributed to repeated displacement, social trauma, fear, and cycles of violence.
FUKRI noted that similar concerns have been raised by Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), which has also called for an evaluation of security policies in Papua.
The forum said public welfare should not be measured by an increased security presence, but by improvements in education, healthcare, protection of Indigenous rights, respect for customary land ownership, equitable economic opportunities, and the ability of civilians to live safely.
"The success of governance should be measured not by stronger security forces, but by reduced suffering, the realization of a just and civilized humanity, and social justice for all Indonesians," the statement said.
FUKRI urged the government to make humanitarian assistance and support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) its highest priority.
It said thousands of civilians remain displaced across Papua, many without adequate access to food, education, healthcare, protection, or pastoral care.
Women, children, people with disabilities, and older persons are among those most affected.
The forum questioned why these vulnerable communities continue to receive insufficient attention while security measures continue to expand.
"The state has a constitutional obligation to protect all citizens, especially those in the most vulnerable situations," it said.
FUKRI reaffirmed that humanitarian dialogue remains the most dignified path toward resolving the conflict in Papua.
For years, churches in Papua and across Indonesia, alongside Indigenous leaders, women's groups, youth representatives, academics, and civil society organizations, have consistently advocated for an inclusive and meaningful dialogue, it said.
However, those calls have yet to be adequately reflected in government policy.
The forum argued that dialogue should not be viewed as a sign of weakness but as an expression of democratic maturity.
"It is the courage to listen to painful experiences, acknowledge reality, rebuild trust, and seek solutions that respect the dignity of all parties," the statement said
FUKRI also urged President Prabowo Subianto and all relevant stakeholders to place the protection of human life at the centre of every policy concerning Papua.
It said the Church stands not with violence, but with life – particularly with victims, displaced people, women and children, Indigenous communities, and families who have lost loved ones.
The forum encouraged churches throughout Indonesia to strengthen humanitarian services in Papua, including healthcare, pastoral assistance, trauma healing, peace education, reconciliation efforts, community empowerment, and support for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.
It also called on the government to ensure churches can carry out humanitarian work without fear or stigma.
According to FUKRI, humanitarian services provided by churches should not be viewed as support for any particular group or associated with separatism.
Instead, the state should facilitate and protect the Church's humanitarian mission as part of broader efforts to restore human dignity, rebuild public trust, and foster a just and lasting peace in Papua.
"We invite churches throughout Indonesia to continue praying for Papua and for the nation, that God will open a path to peace and grant wisdom to national leaders to prioritize justice, humanity, and dialogue in addressing the challenges in Papua," FUKRI said.
Source: https://en.jubi.id/christian-forum-calls-for-humanitarian-dialogue-amid-escalating-conflict-in-papua