As Christmas approaches in the highlands of Papua Tengah (Central Papua) Province, life in Hitadipa District, Intan Jaya Regency, moves at a rhythm shaped by tradition, faith, and a growing sense of calm. In a region long associated with security challenges, the final weeks of the year bring not fear or tension, but shared meals, communal prayers, and a reaffirmation of unity through the ancient Papuan tradition of bakar batu.
On the morning of December 17, 2025, residents from several villages gathered in an open field in Hitadipa. Smoke rose slowly from stacks of firewood as large river stones were heated until glowing. Men arranged the stones with practiced hands, women prepared vegetables and meat nearby, and children watched closely, waiting for the moment when the feast would begin. What unfolded was not merely a cultural ceremony but a powerful symbol of peace and stability ahead of Christmas and the New Year.
For the people of Hitadipa, bakar batu is a sacred social ritual. It is performed to mark important moments in life, from reconciliation between clans to celebrations of gratitude. In the context of Christmas, the ritual carries deeper meaning. It reflects thankfulness, togetherness, and the hope for peace in the coming year. This year, however, the message was especially clear. The ceremony was also a declaration that Papua Tengah, particularly Intan Jaya, is experiencing a period of security and social harmony.
A Tradition Rooted in Unity
The bakar batu ritual begins long before the food is cooked. It starts with collective preparation. No single person owns the process. Everyone contributes. Stones are gathered together, food is pooled from different households, and prayers are offered collectively. This sense of shared responsibility mirrors the values held by many Papuan communities, where survival and identity are deeply connected to cooperation.
As the stones were placed carefully into the earth, layers of meat, sweet potatoes, cassava, and leafy greens were arranged on top. The food was then covered with leaves and soil, allowing it to cook slowly. During this time, community leaders addressed the crowd. Tribal elders, religious figures, and local officials spoke of gratitude, faith, and the importance of maintaining peace, especially during the Christmas season.
According to local news, the warmth of the bakar batu ceremony in Hitadipa reflected the peaceful conditions in the area ahead of Christmas. Residents expressed joy and relief at being able to gather freely, without fear, and to celebrate their traditions openly. The presence of families, elders, and children together in one place sent a strong message that the community felt safe and confident.
Security Conditions Ahead of Christmas
The peaceful conduct of the bakar batu ceremony did not happen in isolation. It was closely linked to broader security efforts in Papua Tengah. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Indonesian government intensified coordination between the military, police, and local authorities to ensure public safety across Papua.
Lieutenant General Bambang Trisnohadi, Commander of the Strategic Integrated Security Command (Pangkogabwilhan III), confirmed that the overall security situation in Papua was safe and conducive ahead of the holiday season. His visit to Papua, including engagement with local communities, aimed to reassure residents that the state was committed to protecting civilians while respecting local customs.
Local news photo coverage of the bakar batu tradition in Hitadipa highlighted scenes of harmony, showing residents and security personnel interacting calmly and respectfully. These images contrasted sharply with older portrayals of Intan Jaya as a conflict-prone region. Instead, they presented a narrative of normalcy and stability, where cultural life continues and public gatherings can take place peacefully.
Security officials emphasized that preventive measures had been taken to ensure that Christmas and New Year celebrations could proceed without disruption. Patrols were strengthened in strategic areas, coordination with community leaders was intensified, and early detection mechanisms were put in place to prevent potential disturbances. Importantly, these efforts were carried out alongside community engagement, not in opposition to it.
Community Trust and Human Security
For residents of Hitadipa, security is not measured solely by the absence of violence. It is felt in daily routines. It is present when children can walk to school, when farmers can tend their gardens, and when families can gather in large numbers without anxiety. During the bakar batu ceremony, many residents spoke informally about how life had improved in recent months.
One community elder explained that peace is something that must be built together. He noted that security forces had become more visible, not as a source of fear, but as partners in maintaining order. Their involvement in community activities, including cultural events, helped reduce suspicion and strengthened mutual understanding.
The participation of security personnel in the bakar batu event was symbolic. They did not dominate the space. Instead, they observed respectfully and engaged with residents in a friendly manner. This approach helped reinforce trust, which is a critical element of long-term stability in regions with complex histories like Intan Jaya.
Faith and Culture Ahead of Christmas
Christmas holds profound meaning for the people of Papua Tengah. Christianity has been deeply rooted in Papuan society for generations, and the celebration of Christmas is both a religious and cultural milestone. In Hitadipa, preparations for Christmas included church services, choir rehearsals, and communal prayers, all of which were carried out in an atmosphere of calm.
Religious leaders emphasized that the values of Christmas align closely with the principles embodied in bakar batu. Both emphasize sharing, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love. By combining religious observance with traditional rituals, the community reinforces its identity while promoting peace and solidarity.
The bakar batu ceremony ahead of Christmas served as a moment of reflection. It allowed the community to look back on the challenges they had faced and to express gratitude for the stability they were experiencing. It also became a platform to pray for continued peace, not only in Hitadipa, but across Papua as a whole.
A Message Beyond Hitadipa
The significance of the bakar batu event in Hitadipa extends beyond the district itself. It sends a broader message about Papua Tengah. It demonstrates that despite past conflicts and ongoing challenges, peace is achievable when security efforts are balanced with respect for local culture and community engagement.
Another local news outlet reported that ahead of Christmas and New Year 2026, Pangkogabwilhan III ensured that the overall situation in Papua remained conducive. This assurance was not only based on security assessments but also on visible indicators such as community activities proceeding normally, cultural events being held openly, and public confidence remaining high.
For policymakers and observers, the Hitadipa bakar batu ceremony offers an important lesson. Stability is strengthened when communities feel respected and included. Cultural traditions are not obstacles to security but assets that can reinforce social cohesion and trust.
Looking Forward with Cautious Optimism
While challenges remain in parts of Papua, the atmosphere in Hitadipa ahead of Christmas reflects cautious optimism. Residents understand that peace must be nurtured continuously. It requires dialogue, mutual respect, and consistent engagement between the state and local communities.
As the food from the bakar batu was finally unearthed and shared among everyone present, laughter filled the air. Plates were passed from hand to hand, conversations flowed freely, and for a moment, the worries of the past seemed distant. This simple act of eating together carried profound meaning. It was a reminder that peace is lived, not declared.
In Hitadipa, on the eve of Christmas, stability was not defined by military presence or official statements alone. It was visible in the shared smiles, the communal labor, and the quiet confidence of a community celebrating its traditions without fear. Through bakar batu, the people of Papua Tengah offered a powerful image of harmony, one that speaks louder than any headline.
As Christmas draws near, Hitadipa stands as a reflection of what is possible when security, culture, and faith move forward together.
