PESPARAWI XIV IN KEEROM: ACTING GOVERNOR OF PAPUA HIGHLIGHTS UNITY AND SPIRITUALITY

Keerom, December 2, 2024 – Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, officially inaugurated the 14th Church Choir Festival (Pesparawi XIV) in Keerom Regency on Monday (2/12/2024). In his remarks, Ramses emphasized the importance of Pesparawi as a platform to strengthen religious values, spirituality, and unity rooted in morality and a pure conscience.

Ramses expressed his hope that Pesparawi XIV would not only serve as a choir competition but also foster a deep appreciation of religious values and strengthen relationships between churches, religious communities, and the government.

“This Pesparawi is expected to create authentic religious harmony, provide a moral and ethical foundation for community life, and foster a commitment to compete in faith by accepting each other's strengths and weaknesses sincerely and graciously,” said Ramses.

Pesparawi as a Pillar of Unity and Spiritual Development

Furthermore, Ramses underlined the strategic role of events like Pesparawi in fostering harmony within society. He emphasized that despite the nation's ongoing multidimensional challenges, spiritual development remains a priority to enhance the quality of faith among religious communities.

“We should be grateful that amidst a multidimensional crisis, spiritual development continues to receive attention. This demonstrates that development is not limited to physical dimensions but also encompasses the enhancement of moral, spiritual, and religious ethics,” Ramses stated.

According to Ramses, the success of Pesparawi lies in its ability to act as a catalyst for unity and authentic religious spirit in Papua. He highlighted the importance of practicing religious values in daily life, beyond merely identifying with a religion.

“It is not just about the enthusiasm to have a religion, but more importantly, how religious values guide our attitudes and behavior in life,” Ramses concluded.

The Significance of Pesparawi for Papua

Pesparawi XIV in Keerom serves as a significant moment to unite the Christian community in Papua while reinforcing the region's commitment to upholding harmony and tolerance among religious communities. The event was attended by various contingents from all over Papua and West Papua, carrying messages of unity, love, and devotion to God.

By embracing the spirit of togetherness and strong faith, Pesparawi XIV is expected to not only be a platform for showcasing choir performances but also a symbol of spiritual strengthening with a positive impact on the people of Bumi Cenderawasih. (*)