DPD RI Urges West Papua Community to Ensure Success of National Pesparawi

Manokwari - The Chairman of Committee III of the DPD RI, Filep Wamafma, has invited the entire community in West Papua Province to support and ensure the success of the 14th National Church Choir Festival (Pesparawi Nasional) scheduled to take place from 18 to 28 June 2026. The appointment of Manokwari as the host for the 14th National Pesparawi represents a form of respect and trust from the central government towards West Papua Province in organising this national agenda.

“We should be proud as the people of West Papua, because the government has entrusted Manokwari to host the National Pesparawi. Therefore, the entire community must provide maximum support,” he stated in Manokwari on Wednesday.

According to Wamafma, Manokwari, as the provincial capital, has successfully hosted several other major regional and national agendas, which serves as vital capital in preparing the various requirements for the 14th National Pesparawi. The selection of Manokwari as the host for the 202lar Pesparawi is also inseparable from the history of the spread of the Gospel in Papua by two German missionaries on 5 January 1855, a date that is routinely commemorated.

“Historically and theologically, hosting the National Pesparawi in Manokwari holds very significant meaning,” he said.

A conducive security and public order situation (kamtibmas) will not only ensure the smooth running of the Pesparawi event but also provide a positive impression to guests arriving from outside Papua. “We must demonstrate that Manokwari is an orderly, clean, friendly city, and ready to host various national agendas,” he emphasised.

He added that community participation in maintaining cleanliness is in line with the theme ‘Environmentally Friendly National Pesparawi’, representing a commitment from religious communities to preserve nature while strengthening national brotherhood and unity. The West Papua Provincial Government and the Manokwari Regency Government require the involvement of all elements of society to ensure that all stages of preparation and implementation of the National Pesparawi proceed without obstacles.

“It is hoped that this moment will strengthen religious values and introduce West Papua to the Indonesian people as a safe, peaceful region that is ready to host various national agendas,” Filep concluded.