The faithful of the Diocese of Timika, Papua, Indonesia, rejoiced as Pope Francis appointed Fr. Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, OSA, as their new bishop.
The long-awaited announcement came from Rome at noon Vatican time on March 8, 2025, corresponding to 8:00 PM Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT).
The diocese has been led by Fr. Marthen Kuayo as Diocesan Administrator since the passing of Bishop John Philip Saklil on August 3, 2019. Marthen Kuayo as Diocesan Administrator.
Before Fr. Kuayo made the official announcement, the faithful gathered in prayer at Tiga Raja Cathedral in Timika, reciting the Rosary for Pope Francis. Kuayo.
As the new bishop-elect, Fr. Baru stood before the people and expressed his deep gratitude, acknowledging the weight of his new mission.
He called upon the faithful to walk together in faith, listen to one another, engage in dialogue, and work in communion to build the Church of Timika.
"I entrust myself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and seek the prayers and support of the people of God so that we may journey together in faith and mission," he said.
Born on August 22, 1969, in Suswa Village, Papua Barat, Fr. Baru has dedicated his life to pastoral ministry, education, and social justice. His formation in the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) began with First Vows in 2001, followed by Perpetual Vows in Nijmegen, Netherlands, in 2005.
He was ordained a deacon in Rome on April 4, 2006, and later ordained a priest on July 30, 2006. His academic background includes advanced studies in missiology, completing his master’s (2002-2006) and doctorate (2014-2018) at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome.
Beyond his academic work, Fr. Baru has been deeply involved in advocacy for Papua’s indigenous people, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation.
His leadership experience spans various roles, including before the Augustinian Order in Papua (2006-2014), Director of the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Secretariat, and President of the Fajar Timur School of Philosophy and Theology in Abepura since January 25, 2023.
He has also served as a mentor to young seminarians in Sorong and Yogyakarta, encouraging them to embrace their vocation with a heart for both evangelization and social transformation.
With a diocese facing pastoral and social challenges, Fr. Baru steps into his new role with a strong vision of synodality, collaboration, and mission. His dedication to justice and peace, coupled with his deep knowledge of the region’s realities, positions him as a shepherd attuned to the needs of the people.
As he embarks on this journey, the faithful of Timika and beyond pray for his strength, wisdom, and pastoral leadership, trusting that his service will bring renewal and deepen the Church’s missionary commitment in Papua.
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