Irianese celebrate Christian arrivals

Mon, 07 Feb 2000, 00:00 WIB | Source: JP

MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: While the ethnic Chinese here
celebrated their new year on Saturday, thousands of Irianese
commemorated the 145th anniversary of the arrival of the first
Christian missionaries on Mansinam Island, Manokwari regency.

The celebration was attended by Irian Jaya Military commander
Maj. Gen. Albert Inkiriwang and Provincial Police chief Brig.
Gen. Silvianus Y. Wenas as well as local and religious community
leaders.

"We were at first afraid the gathering would trigger unrest
but it ended up being very peaceful," said priest Bosco
Ngamelubun of Saint Emmanuel Catholic church.(eba/edt)

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