Irianese celebrate Christian arrivals

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)