goodmorningpapua.com – An academics from the University of Indonesia Ngatawie Al Zastrouw assessed that Eid al-Fitr tolerance in Papua is a momentum to build moderation.
“Papuan people not only have abundant natural wealth, but also culture and traditions which if developed can be a capital to build prosperity,” he said in a written statement, today.
In his opinion, the tolerance for Eid celebrations in Papua is reflected in the Hadrat parade, a ceremony to celebrate Eid by the Kaimana people. The parade was enlivened by the beating of drums, tifa and tambourines to accompany the salawat.
Residents who take part in the parade will dance together while walking around and staying in touch. Apart from Kaimana, the Hadrat Parade tradition is also held in Jayapura.
Interestingly, he said, although this tradition is to celebrate Muslim holidays, it involves many non-Muslims so that it becomes a momentum to build tolerance and moderation.
Seeing the tolerance that has developed in Papua, Dr. Ngatawie invites people in the country to learn from the heritage of traditions and values that have been passed down by their ancestors.
“The culture inherited from our ancestors must be a guide and something that is valuable and beneficial for our lives,” said the culturalist.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of Papuan Students in Jabodetabek Moytuer Boymasa said that in general Papua attaches importance to brotherhood among religious, ethnic and other elements.
“Each tribe, even genealogically, has a kinship relationship and continues to be closely maintained,” said Moytuer.
He said that ever since Christians and Muslims has come in the Cenderawasih Earth, the two have lived side by side. This includes always being in line with the existing culture in the community, complementing each other, strengthening it so that a harmonious social order is born.
The form of religious tolerance in Papua, for example, is the construction of places of worship. Communities assist each other in building mosques and churches. Not only that, Papua also has a strong culture of tolerance, one of which is the tradition of Burning Stones from the Dani tribe.
“This tradition is a medium to reconcile the two warring parties,” he said.