Indonesian priests save residents amid conflict

Two priests saved people caught in a clash between separatist rebels and soldiers in Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua. 

Separatist groups in Papua have continued armed conflict with the Indonesian Police and Army. They have burned several houses and shops in Bilogai, the capital city of Intan Jaya district, Papua Province, since October 29.

The barrage of gunshots had made the residents of Bilogai panic and scatter out to save themselves. They took refuge in the Catholic Church at Misael in Bilogai, Papua.

John Abugau, president of the Parish Pastoral Council, said the Bilogai people are still taking refuge in the church.

"The gunfights on the third day have made people flee to secure themselves in the church," added Abugau.

He said several houses in Bilogai were burnt down. However, it is not known yet how many houses were burned.

"People's houses and shops were also burned by the separatist group, so residents ran for safety to the Church," he continued, as reported by @papua_talk.

Two priests and several church leaders and youths managed to save the residents trapped in conflict in their burning houses.

Father Yance Yogi, Titigi, parish priest, and Father Frans Sondegau visited the conflict site wearing their priestly robes. They came face to face with the separatist groups before the rebels withdrew finally and no longer carried out attacks on the community.

One of the community leaders who also joined the priests confirmed that the priests rescued residents during the gunshot between the separatists and the police and army.

"Six residents were rescued, before they were trapped in a burning house, they did not dare to come out, but after being called by the priest, they finally came out and the priests took them to the church," explained the leader requested not to be identified.

Responding to the ongoing conflict in Papua, Father Sondegau is concerned about residents because they are the victims and those who suffer the most.

"I regret that a conflict like this happened in Papua. The armed clash that has taken place has made the community suffer. They are very scared," said Father Sondegau. 

The priest hoped that there would never be another arson and prolonged conflict that could reoccur after the incident.

"We hope there will be no more conflict or disturbances in Papua. We want to live in peace and harmony with one another, doing activities as usual. No one else suffers the most except the community itself," he said.

Meanwhile, several priests and nuns and catechists have also become a living fence for the residents who have fled and have taken refuge in the Bilogai Catholic Church, Papua, until now.