The situation in West Papua
West Papuans planned to celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9, however, security authorities refused to give them permission to participate in activities. Planned celebrations could not take place in Jayapura and in Serui (near Biak), people gathered to raise concerns. Police and the military fired warning shots near them and a number of leaders were arrested. The home of a local leader was then searched, with documents and computers seized while the local leader’s wife was also detained. Our partner church in West Papua, the Evangelical Christian Church in the Land of Papua, reports this is a further example of how the Papuan people are being victimised and harassed by security forces in their homeland. Please Pray for an end to tensions in West Papua and pray for our partner church as it works for peace and reconciliation, and also Pray for Rev Albert Yoku (Moderator) and Rev Jemima Mirono-Krey (Vice Moderator). Thanks, Jane Bassham.