On behalf of the Muslim communities in Papua, Payage thanked Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri and all police officers for their services that have contributed to peace and calm during Ramadan.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims across the world, including those in Papua, during which they observe a full month of fasting. It ends on the first day of the month of Syawal, marked by a religious festivity called Eid al-Fitr.
Speaking at a "Safari Ramadhan" event in Biak Numfor District on Sunday, Payage stated that local Muslims in Papua have been able to experience a peaceful Ramadan owing to respectful and peaceful coexistence among members of local communities throughout the province.
The conducive situation in Papua that has enabled Muslims to practice their religious obligations peacefully at mosques during the fasting month is the result of the Papua police's excellent performance, he added.
In this regard, owing to its residents' peaceful and harmonious co-existence, Biak Numfor District could serve as a good example for other regions, he remarked while urging communities to continue to live in harmony.
"May Ramadan become a great momentum for strengthening national unity," he added.
At the event, Fakhiri stated that police officers in Papua have made utmost efforts to be friendly and polite while serving the people as part of their loyalty to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
However, if insufficient service and also mistakes continue to be found concerning the police officers' duties during Ramadan, Fakhiri said he promised to continue to improve the quality of the police's performance in the future.
"I say sorry and am committed to improving the quality of our services to our people. Please support us and work together with us to make Papua more peaceful, secure, and conducive," he stated.
Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second-largest Muslim organization after Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has determined that Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, will fall on April 10, 2024.
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Translator: Muhsidin, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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