Ma'ruf Amin Meets Papuan Priests, Expresses Intent to Visit Papua

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President-elect Ma'ruf Amin mentioned his willingness to visit Papua together with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in order to curb the heightening tension in the region.

“Maintaining Papua’s unity and peace is the responsibility that we must bear,” said Ma’ruf Amin after meeting with Papuan priests at his home in Menteng, Jakarta, today, September 5.

Moreover, Ma’ruf Amin feels obliged to support the Papuans as they have supported the pair's efforts in the 2019 presidential election by gaining 91 percent of votes from Papua.

“I will hopefully be able to visit Papua,” said Ma’ruf.

Earlier today, the VP-elect accepted the visit of Papuan priests and management of the religious and nationalist movement (Genius) led by Reverend Richard Tonjau and the organization’s leader Bobby S. Hendrawan.

During the meeting, Ma’ruf explained that the visit will bridge communication between the people of Papua and the central government. He also concludes that the Papuans he met have all voiced their willingness to see Papua be at peace again.

“They want Papua to be peaceful again,” said Ma’ruf.

FIKRI ARIGI