Wapres Buka Pesta Paduan Suara Gerejawi Nasional XIV di Manokwari

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming expressed his appreciation for the transformation of the Borarsi Public Open Space (RTP) in Manokwari, which is now capable of hosting national events. He opened the 14th National Church Choir Festival (Pesparawi) in 2026 in Manokwari, West Papua, on Friday (June 20, 2026). The Vice President revealed that he had visited the site in November last year when construction of the Borarsi RTP was still underway. Now, the area, previously still under construction, has been transformed into a representative public space capable of hosting national-scale events. "I visited this field last November. It was still under construction, but I'm happy that it can now be used for an event as large as Pesparawi," said the Vice President. According to the Vice President, the transformation of the Borarsi RTP into the venue for the 14th National Pesparawi demonstrates the government's commitment to achieving equitable development throughout Indonesia. "Development is no longer Java-centric, but Indonesia-centric. That's why developing Papua is one of the President's priorities. Starting from the construction of hospitals, public schools, markets, the Trans Papua Highway, the MBG (Maintenance Crossing), and fishing villages," he said. However, the Vice President emphasized that infrastructure development and improving public welfare must go hand in hand with the creation of a safe, peaceful, and conducive situation. "However, development requires a conducive and peaceful situation. Therefore, I appreciate this year's Pesparawi theme, which highlights peace and brotherhood in the land of Papua," he said. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 14th National Pesparawi, Ali Baham Temongmere, stated that the implementation of Pesparawi is concrete evidence of the tolerance and religious moderation that have grown and taken root in West Papua. "This is not just a slogan, but a reality," he said. According to Ali Baham, the spirit of interfaith brotherhood is reflected in various aspects of the event, including the involvement of a Muslim hadrah group in the opening parade. He also emphasized that the history of the arrival of religions in Papua demonstrates the strong values ​​of togetherness and mutual respect among adherents of various faiths. Meanwhile, West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan welcomed all participants and invited guests from various regions in Indonesia. He hoped that the 14th National Pesparawi would not only be a church choir competition, but also strengthen peace, brotherhood, and national unity in the Land of Papua. The 14th National Pesparawi took place from June 18–28, 2026, and was attended by 5,434 participants, guests, and spectators from 38 provinces. The theme of the event was "I Will Praise God at All Times." The opening ceremony featured a parade of 43 contingents from 38 provinces, showcasing Indonesia's cultural diversity in a spirit of brotherhood and unity. The opening ceremony of the 14th National Pesparawi was marked by the playing of the tifa (traditional Indonesian musical instrument) by the Vice President, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk and the Governors in attendance. The procession continued with the blowing of tritons, the unveiling of the "Bit Sang Konductor" mascot, the song "Hallelujah Agung," and the tifa dance. The event concluded with the song "Tanah Papua," sung by all attendees, with their right hands placed on their left chests as a symbol of love and respect for the Land of Papua. Manokwari, June 20, 2026 Press, Media, and Information Bureau Secretariat of the Vice President