Public urged to assess information impartially
Archbishop of Merauke, Mgr. Petrus Canisius Mandagi, MSC, has issued a clarification regarding claims in a documentary that addressed the stance of the Archdiocese of Merauke towards the National Strategic Project (PSN) in South Papua. The clarification was made public through a video released on Monday, 25 May. In his statement, he urged the public to maintain critical thinking when engaging with information, including documentaries on development and environmental issues in South Papua.
‘The film is indeed highly provocative, but while watching, don’t lose your critical thinking. What is the purpose of this film? The filmmakers don’t even live in Papua,’ said Archbishop Mandagi.
He explained that certain narratives in the documentary do not accurately represent the Archdiocese’s position. He stated that the film creates the impression that the archdiocese fully supports the PSN and has specific ties with companies operating in South Papua.
Archbishop Mandagi insisted that such narratives need direct clarification to ensure the public receives balanced information.
‘It is claimed that the Archdiocese of Merauke approves and accepts the PSN. The archdiocese, specifically the archbishop, is selling land. The archdiocese, particularly the archbishop, is collaborating with companies destroying the forests of South Papua, especially oil palm plantations. It is also said that not only are they collaborating, but they are receiving funds. So it appears the Archdiocese of Merauke has been bribed,’ he said.
During the statement, Archbishop Mandagi also questioned the documentary’s information-gathering process. He expressed disappointment that the filmmakers did not seek direct explanations from him or the priests serving in Merauke.
‘Is this true? Why didn’t the director come to ask the archbishop? Why not ask the priests there and only listen to people with the same agenda as the director? Why? What’s going on?’ he asked.
Archbishop Mandagi expressed concern over the narratives surrounding the Archdiocese of Merauke. He noted the Church has a long history of supporting communities in South Papua, so assessments of its role should consider the full context.
He hopes dialogue and clarification spaces remain open so that important issues regarding development, environment, and indigenous communities in South Papua can be discussed clearly, impartially, and in the collective interest.