Vice President Supports Asmat Cathedral Development with Cemara Tree Planting

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming performed a pine tree planting ceremony as a symbol of hope and sustainability for the construction of the New Holy Cross Cathedral in Agats, Asmat Regency, South Papua, on Sunday.

According to a statement from the Vice President’s Secretariat (Setwapres) in Jakarta on Sunday, this activity is part of a series of work agendas in Asmat Regency to ensure that basic infrastructure development, including religious service facilities, proceeds optimally in the South Papua region.

The inspection of the cathedral’s construction process also aligns with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen inclusive and equitable development, particularly in frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T) areas.

Upon arrival at the location, the Vice President received a briefing regarding the progress of the cathedral’s construction from the Chairman of Socio-Economic Development of the Agats Diocese, Vallens Aji Sayekti.

Aji explained that the construction of the main structure of the church has been completed and is currently entering the stage of roof finishing and interior work, all of which utilise local Asmat timber.

“All the wood is from here, Sir. This is local wood, Sir. It is all done manually, Sir,” he said.

A total of 35 workers are involved in the construction of the building structure, while another 16 workers are working on the church interior.

“So, it has taken almost five months of work on this cathedral,” he stated.

According to Aji, the construction of the New Holy Cross Cathedral is supported by various parties, ranging from donors and local governments to voluntary contributions from Catholic civil servants and the participation of the congregation.

Nevertheless, Aji mentioned that there is still a budget deficit to complete the entire construction.

After receiving the briefing, the Vice President inspected the construction area and planted a pine tree within the church grounds.

The tree planting is expected to serve as a symbol of the spirit of togetherness, environmental care, and the commitment to building a better future for Asmat.