Sentani, Jubi – The Jayapura Regency Clergy Forum has been established as a platform to strengthen cooperation among church leaders from various denominations in religious ministry and community empowerment initiatives.

Chairman of the Jayapura Regency Clergy Forum, Rev. Charles Mokay, said the forum brings together pastors, church leaders, church activists, lay ministers, and professionals such as healthcare workers, lawyers, and members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri) who are committed to social and religious service.

Mokay made the remarks during the forum’s inaugural working meeting, attended by around 40 participants from different church denominations in Sentani, Jayapura Regency, Papua, on Tuesday (16 June 2026).

He emphasized that the forum was not established to create divisions or strengthen barriers among churches, but rather to build collaboration in addressing community needs.

“Our goal is to ensure that church leaders in Jayapura Regency can work together in ministry and contribute to the welfare of congregations and the wider community,” Mokay said.

Regarding the working meeting, he said participants discussed three main areas of focus for the organization: spiritual development, social services and community welfare, and communication and partnerships.

The meeting also produced a draft work program focused on strengthening social services, spiritual development, and partnerships with the local government in response to various social issues affecting communities in Jayapura Regency.

“The outcomes of this meeting will serve as the basis for the organization’s future programs. We will also submit the results to the Jayapura Regency Government and process the organization’s legal registration through the National and Political Unity Agency (Kesbangpol),” Mokay said.

Meanwhile, Assistant II of the Jayapura Regency Regional Secretariat, Abdurahman Basri, said the Clergy Forum could serve as a strategic partner for the government in addressing a range of social challenges in the region.

According to Basri, development challenges in Jayapura Regency include infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as social issues such as alcohol abuse, narcotics misuse, domestic violence, and the impact of digital technology and social media.

He said the involvement of religious leaders is essential because churches play an important role in moral guidance and strengthening social life within communities.

“It is hoped that this forum can provide input and support to the government in improving development programs while also helping strengthen the religious life of the community,” Basri said.

He added that synergy among the government, churches, communities, and customary institutions is necessary to address the various development challenges facing Jayapura Regency.

According to Basri, the inaugural working meeting provided an opportunity for different church denominations to come together, discuss issues affecting local communities, and formulate joint steps to support regional development.

“We welcome this initiative because it allows different church denominations to sit together and discuss the challenges facing the people of Jayapura Regency,” he said. (*)