Vice President Supports Asmat Cathedral Development with Cemara Tree Planting

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming planted a cemara tree as a symbol of hope and sustainability for the construction of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Agats, Asmat Regency, South Papua, on Sunday. According to a statement from the Vice Presidential Secretariat, this activity was part of a working agenda in Asmat Regency to ensure the development of basic infrastructure, including religious service facilities, proceeds optimally in the South Papua region. The review of the church construction process also aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to strengthen inclusive and equitable development, particularly in frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T) areas. Upon arrival at the site, the Vice President received a briefing on the cathedral’s development progress from Vallens Aji Sayekti, Head of Socio-Economic Development for the Diocese of Agats. Aji explained that the main structure of the church has been completed and the project is currently entering the roofing and interior finishing stages, all of which utilise local Asmat wood. ‘All the wood is from here, sir. Local wood, sir. This is all manual work, sir,’ he said. A total of 35 workers are involved in constructing the structure, while 16 others are working on the church interior. ‘So, it has taken almost five months of manpower to guard this cathedral,’ he revealed. According to Aji, the construction of the new Holy Cross Cathedral is supported by various parties, including donors, the local government, voluntary contributions from Catholic civil servants, and participation from the congregation. However, Aji noted that there is still a budget shortfall to complete the entire construction. After receiving the briefing, the Vice President inspected the construction area and planted a cemara tree on the church grounds. The tree planting is expected to symbolise the spirit of togetherness, environmental awareness, and a commitment to building a better future for Asmat.