Thelandofpapua.com– The Papua Pegunungan Arts Council has called on the public, especially in Wamena, to embrace religious tolerance by participating in the Ramadhan Festival Pegunungan Papua. The event, which spans 15 days during the holy month of Ramadhan, commenced on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the area behind Wamena Mall in Jayawijaya, Papua Pegunungan.

A significant highlight of the festival is the launch of Digital Space, an internet network designed to support online business ventures, further boosting the region’s digital economy.

The festival is a collaborative effort between the Papua Pegunungan Provincial Government and various Muslim organizations, including the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the South Sulawesi Family Association (KKSS), the Creative Economy Movement (GRK), and the Arts Council.

“This event is a true representation of religious tolerance. The provincial government is organizing this initiative while also involving artists from Papua Pegunungan who are part of the Arts Council to celebrate the arrival of Ramadhan,” said Bonny Lanny, Chairman of the Papua Pegunungan Arts Council, during the event’s opening in Wamena, Jayawijaya.

Lanny expressed his appreciation to the provincial government for including Papua Pegunungan artists in this special occasion. He particularly commended Acting Governor Velix Wanggai, who, as a Muslim Papuan, has shown great dedication to the advancement and empowerment of local artists while fostering interfaith harmony in the region.

“We deeply appreciate the Papua Pegunungan Provincial Government, especially Acting Governor Velix Wanggai, for his commitment to promoting local artists and strengthening religious ties in the province,” he stated.

He further urged all Christian and non-Muslim communities, alongside the Muslim population, to support the festival as a gesture of religious tolerance and unity.

“We invite everyone in Papua Pegunungan, particularly in Jayawijaya, to come together and show support for this event as a symbol of interfaith harmony. Let’s gather and celebrate at the venue behind Wamena Mall. Many talented artists from Papua Pegunungan are participating in today’s opening event,” Lanny concluded.

The festival aims to not only celebrate Ramadhan but also to enhance social cohesion and economic empowerment in the region, reinforcing the message of peace and inclusivity among different religious communities in Papua Pegunungan.