Papuaaround.com – Deputy Chair I of the Regional Representative Council of Indonesia (DPD RI), Karel Simon Petrus Suebu, called on Christian communities across Papua to celebrate Christmas 2025 and welcome the New Year 2026 with peace and joy. His message highlighted the importance of maintaining stability and harmony as residents in the easternmost region prepare for the year-end religious festivities.
Suebu delivered the reminder during his visit to Sentani, Jayapura Regency, on Monday, December 8, 2025. He emphasized that the holiday season should strengthen bonds among communities and encourage a broader sense of unity. As a senator representing Papua, he stated that his appeal reflected the trust given to him by voters spread across eight regencies and one city.
He explained that Christmas holds deep meaning for Christian residents in Papua. Therefore, he encouraged worship services to take place in a calm and uplifting atmosphere. According to him, peaceful religious events can help reinforce compassion during a period that is widely regarded as a moment of reflection.
“We urge all believers, especially Christians, to conduct their worship services in peace and joy as they celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ,” Suebu said during the gathering. His statement was meant to reassure the public amid growing attention to security and social cohesion ahead of the holiday season.
In addition to his message of peace, Suebu extended greetings to all communities in Papua who will soon enter the 2025 Christmas season and prepare for the 2026 New Year. He underscored that the transition from one year to the next should be observed with awareness of public safety. He reminded residents that celebrations will only be meaningful if they contribute to an environment free from tension and disturbances.
He noted that large gatherings often take place toward the end of the year. For that reason, he urged residents to cooperate with one another to maintain order. Suebu stressed that collective responsibility is essential for ensuring that every activity runs smoothly, from church services to community events.
“I hope that when the New Year arrives, everyone will protect our shared security and maintain order,” he said. Suebu added that unnecessary unrest or conflict must be avoided so that Christmas and New Year celebrations proceed in a peaceful and prosperous manner. He mentioned that this expectation reflects the hopes of residents throughout the region.
The senator also pointed out that a harmonious atmosphere is one of the most anticipated conditions during the holiday season. According to him, peaceful celebrations help promote solidarity among communities in Papua, which has long placed high value on cultural and religious togetherness. He stated that preserving a positive and safe environment is a shared duty that benefits everyone.
His appeal comes as preparations for the holiday increase across Papua. Local governments, churches, and social groups are coordinating various activities ahead of Christmas. Many communities are also preparing travel plans, worship schedules, and traditional gatherings that typically take place in December.
The holiday season in Papua usually draws large crowds, especially in Jayapura, Wamena, and surrounding areas. Residents often travel long distances to visit family members or participate in religious ceremonies. As movement intensifies, issues related to transportation, fuel supply, and public service readiness become central discussions among local authorities.
Although Suebu did not mention specific concerns, his reminder aligns with the annual efforts of local governments and security personnel who work to safeguard public mobility during the year-end period. In recent years, cooperation between community leaders and regional authorities has helped reduce potential disturbances and ensure that celebrations run as planned.
As Christmas Day approaches, residents in Papua continue to express hope for peaceful festivities. Community leaders, church representatives, and youth groups have echoed similar expectations, emphasizing that unity and mutual respect remain essential values during the holiday season. Many see the Christmas and New Year period as an opportunity to reinforce harmony after a year marked by various social and economic challenges.
Suebu’s remarks reflect a broader call for collective awareness as Papua enters a season filled with religious meaning. His message encourages residents to appreciate the spiritual significance of the celebrations while upholding the principles of peace, safety, and solidarity that define the region’s shared aspirations.
