Lighting the Hearth of Harmony: How Muslim Youth in Manokwari Are Shaping Papua Barat’s Path to Indonesia Emas 2045

The first rays of sunlight over Manokwari are unlike any other. They fall softly on the emerald hills that embrace Doreh Bay, shimmer across the tranquil waters, and reveal a town where faith and tradition meet the rhythm of modern life. Fishermen cast their nets, church bells ring from the hills, and the call to prayer drifts from the mosques scattered along the coast. Here, in the heart of Papua Barat, diversity breathes in harmony. And from this land—Indonesia’s eastern gateway—a new voice rises with conviction: the youth of Papua Barat must stand at the forefront of the nation’s journey toward Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045).

At a recent gathering on October 18, 2025, Regent Manokwari Hermus Indou delivered a message that echoed through the hearts of young people, especially the Muslim community. During the 48th anniversary celebration of the Badan Komunikasi Pemuda Remaja Masjid Indonesia (Indonesian Mosque Youth Communication Agency, or BKPRMI), he issued an invitation—and a challenge. “Muslim youth must become the backbone of Papua Barat’s development,” he declared. “From this eastern frontier, let us help lead Indonesia to its golden age.”

For Hermus, the road to Indonesia’s centennial dream is not paved in Jakarta’s skyscrapers or Java’s highways alone. It begins at the farthest edges—in places like Manokwari—where unity, resilience, and faith turn challenges into strength.

 

Reimagining the Periphery: Papua Barat as the Nation’s Eastern Pillar

For decades, Papua Barat has been viewed through the lens of distance—a land too far, too complex, and too different. But Hermus Indou rejects that narrative. He sees Papua Barat not as Indonesia’s periphery but as its pillar of progress, a region rich in human potential and moral wisdom. “We must build from the edges to strengthen the center,” he said, underscoring that the future of the republic depends on balanced development.

The regent’s vision aligns with the national agenda of Indonesia Emas 2045—a centennial dream of a sovereign, advanced, and equitable Indonesia. He emphasized four cornerstones for Papua Barat’s journey: human resource excellence, innovation in science and technology, inclusive economic growth, and cultural unity. The message is clear—no region should be left behind, and no community should stand apart from the national dream.

 

Faith as a Foundation for Development

In his address, Hermus spoke not only as a leader but also as a believer. He framed development not merely in terms of roads, buildings, or GDP, but as a spiritual duty—a moral commitment to uplift humanity. “Religion teaches us to work, to serve, and to love,” he said. For Muslim youth, he continued, faith must translate into constructive energy: serving the people, preserving peace, and ensuring progress reaches every household.

This message carries profound implications in Manokwari, a district celebrated for its interfaith harmony. Churches and mosques stand within walking distance, and local festivals often bring together Christian choirs and Muslim drummers on the same stage. This coexistence is not accidental—it is rooted in the ancient Papuan wisdom of satu tungku tiga batu.

 

The Philosophy of “Satu Tungku Tiga Batu”: A Fire that Unites

In traditional Papuan culture, the kitchen hearth—supported by three stones—is the heart of the home. Each stone represents a vital element of life: faith, community, and family. The pot cannot stand if one stone is missing; the fire cannot burn if one topples. This timeless metaphor, known as satu tungku tiga batu (“one hearth, three stones”), embodies the spirit of balance and unity among Papua’s diverse peoples.

Hermus revived this philosophy as the guiding principle for modern development. In today’s context, the three stones symbolize religion, culture, and the state—pillars that must work together to keep the fire of progress alive. “Development will fail if we work in isolation,” he said. “Muslims, Christians, and indigenous communities must walk together as one.”

This local wisdom mirrors Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—Unity in Diversity. It is a living testament that the flame of unity can burn even brighter when tended with mutual respect and shared purpose.

 

Youth at the Center of Transformation

For Hermus, the youth of Papua Barat—especially Muslim youth—are the living torchbearers of this unity. He envisions them not as passive recipients of change but as drivers of innovation and moral leadership. “A true leader must have his own vision,” he told the audience, “not merely echo the dreams of others. The youth must dream boldly, think critically, and act inclusively.”

In Papua Barat, where half of the population is under 30, this demographic energy is a national asset. Indonesia’s “bonus demografi”—the population surge of productive-age citizens—presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If harnessed through education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, young people can become the builders of Indonesia’s golden era.

Organizations like BKPRMI are expected to serve as bridges between faith and action. Mosques, traditionally places of worship, are being reimagined as centers of empowerment—providing skills training, digital literacy workshops, and forums for interfaith dialogue. As Hermus noted, “A mosque should not stand apart from society; it should illuminate it.”

 

Building from the Heart: Development with Local Wisdom

Development in Papua Barat is not merely about constructing physical infrastructure; it is about strengthening the social fabric. Hermus’s administration has prioritized programs that foster inclusion: scholarships for Papuan youth, entrepreneurship grants for local startups, and agricultural projects led by community cooperatives. In each initiative, the emphasis is on Papua for Papuans—a principle that respects local ownership while integrating national vision.

At the same time, Hermus stresses moral development—nurturing integrity, humility, and a sense of duty among the younger generation. “We must guard against corruption of the heart,” he warned. “If our hearts remain clean, our land will prosper.”

His approach stands as a counter-narrative to stereotypes that often cloud external perceptions of Papua. Rather than a region defined by conflict, Papua Barat—under leaders like Hermus—is telling a story of reconciliation and renewal.

 

Challenges Along the Road

The road to inclusive development is long and uneven. Papua Barat still faces gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Some remote villages remain isolated by mountains or seas. Internet access, though expanding, has yet to reach every community. Yet Hermus’s leadership emphasizes optimism over frustration. “Progress begins with faith,” he said. “We may move slowly, but we move together.”

Local observers note that the success of this mission depends not only on government policy but also on the participation of citizens. Youth involvement in governance, transparency in budgeting, and public accountability are vital components. In Manokwari, Hermus has encouraged young people to monitor local projects, join consultative forums, and collaborate with other religious organizations to prevent social friction.

The enduring message is clear: unity is not inherited—it is built daily, through cooperation and trust.

 

National Unity Through Local Harmony

Beyond the boundaries of Papua Barat, Hermus’s call resonates with the broader goals of the Indonesian state—to ensure that every province, every village, and every faith community contributes to national progress. When Muslim youth in Manokwari support development in partnership with Christian and indigenous groups, they are not only helping their district; they are strengthening Indonesia’s collective identity.

This collaboration reinforces the sovereignty of Indonesia’s pluralism, reminding the world that Papua is not a divided land but a living part of the Republic—diverse, dynamic, and determined. By championing interfaith harmony through satu tungku tiga batu, Papua Barat offers a model of coexistence that the rest of the nation can learn from.

 

Lighting the Path to Indonesia Emas 2045

As Indonesia marches toward its centennial milestone, the regent’s message to the youth of Manokwari glows with symbolic power. The hearth of Papua Barat—sustained by faith, culture, and national pride—is burning brighter. The challenge now is to keep that fire alive.

Hermus’s call is not only an invitation to work but also a reminder of belonging. “Papua is Indonesia,” he said. “Our youth are the golden generation who will carry this land forward.” His words bridge tradition and transformation, echoing a hope that the dream of Indonesia Emas 2045 will not just be celebrated in Jakarta’s skyline but also in the humble villages of Papua Barat.

As the evening sun sinks into Doreh Bay, casting golden reflections on the sea, one can sense the spirit of the regent’s vision taking form—a generation rising, faiths uniting, and the eastern horizon glowing with promise. In that light, the flame of satu tungku tiga batu burns steady—the fire of harmony that will warm Indonesia’s golden future.

 

Conclusion

The article concludes that the future of Papua Barat—and Indonesia’s journey toward Indonesia Emas 2045—depends on unity rooted in local wisdom, especially the philosophy of satu tungku tiga batu (one hearth, three stones). Regent Hermus Indou’s call for Muslim youth to lead development reflects a broader national mission: to strengthen harmony, empower young leaders, and ensure that progress in Papua Barat becomes a symbol of Indonesia’s inclusivity and resilience. Through interfaith cooperation, moral leadership, and community-based empowerment, Papua’s youth are not just supporting local growth—they are helping ignite the spirit of Indonesia’s golden century from the nation’s eastern horizon.

 

 

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