Merauke – Messages and hopes come from various circles, including community leaders who continue to be echoed ahead of the elections for the Governor of South Papua and the regents of four districts namely Merauke, Boven Digoel, Mappi and Asmat.
This time, the call came from the Mappi Community Leader in Merauke Regency, Theo Ero and two other figures, namely Emanuel Jebo and Gabriel Kaibu From the release received by Surya Papua on Monday (19/08/2024), Theo Ero asked the Mappi people who live in Merauke Regency to take an active role in maintaining Kamtibmas ahead of the elections for the Governor of South Papua and the Regent of Merauke and three other regents. Brotherhood, Ero pleaded, must be prioritized. In addition, harmony, tolerance between religious communities, tribes and groups must continue to be maintained and fostered.
“Do not prioritize egos that can divide unity in the community,” he pleaded again.
Ero also asked to maintain a wise attitude and prioritize dialogue and deliberation in resolving differences of opinion. On that occasion, Ero hoped that the candidates for governor and regent would give good political lessons to the community. At the same time, he invited his supporters to maintain the peace and security that has been well maintained so far.
“Campaign with a positive narrative. Do not knock each other down with negative, provocative and black-campaign things that can damage the values of peace that have been built in the Land of South Papua,” he said.
Another Mappi figure, Gabriel Kaibu, also hopes that the Mappi people who live in Merauke Regency will not necessarily accept and believe as well as respond to all propaganda issues, especially SARA issues that can create social conflict in the community. “Let us remain vigilant and not fall for cheap propaganda issues,” he said.
Emanuel Jebo, a Mappi community leader in Merauke, also reminded the public to be wise in responding to any content that develops in the community.
“Every issue, especially those smelling of ethnicity, religion and race (SARA) that are blown up, should not be immediately responded to by taking unilateral action. But it must be explored properly and resolved wisely, so that this area remains safe,” he said.
