PHOTOS: Frontier Nuns
In the midst of uncertainty and danger, love and service to others remain central to mission in Papua, Indonesia
In 2016, four sisters from the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady Queen of the Holy Rosary (PRR) received a high-risk assignment in Mumugu Batas Batu, a remote area in the parish of Christ Amore – Sawa Erma, Diocese of Agats, Papua, Indonesia.
They were sent to minister to lepers in need of care and assistance. Mumugu Batas Batu, located almost 200 km from the center of the Asmat Regency in Agats, is one of the outermost areas of the diocese.
Since the discovery of leprosy cases, the Reinha Rosary Sisters became the first team to serve those affected by this disease in Asmat Regency. With extraordinary dedication and courage, they have treated leprosy patients in this region. They also teach children and guide the community in learning gardening to improve welfare and food security.
However, the situation became more complicated when the conflict between Papuan independence fighters and the TNI (Indonesia Armed Forces) intensified in the Kenyam region.
Mumugu Batas Batu is a tense area, serving as the gateway to military operations in Nduga. Refugees from conflict areas arrive at the outskirts of Mumugu Batas Batu in search of safety.
This strategic location also made Mumugu Batas Batu a target for freedom fighter groups due to the presence of the TNI post.
Despite the growing threat of conflict and violence, the spirit of service of the PRR sisters has never waned. They face great risks every day but remain faithful to their mission: caring for lepers, teaching children, and helping local communities survive and thrive in difficult situations.
Sister Florida, PRR, receives a visit from the local community.
Sister Florida, PRR, receives a visit from the local community.
Sister Helga, PRR, teaches in an emergency school where some of the students are refugees from the Nduga area.
Sister Helga, PRR, teaches in an emergency school where some of the students are refugees from the Nduga area.
The atmosphere of the emergency classroom set up by the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) in the Mumugu
The atmosphere of the emergency classroom set up by the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) in the Mumugu
Sister Marlena, PRR, teaches kindergarten children in the Health Services building. Due to limited classroom space, she teaches on the veranda of the Leprosy Services building.
Sister Marlena, PRR, teaches kindergarten children in the Health Services building. Due to limited classroom space, she teaches on the veranda of the Leprosy Services building.
Free milk and fried bananas provided by Sister Helga, PRR, for all the students.
Free milk and fried bananas provided by Sister Helga, PRR, for all the students.
The life story of the sisters in Mumugu Batas Batu not only attracts attention but also serves as an inspiration. They provide medical care, hope, and compassion to those in need. In situations of uncertainty and danger, they bring light and comfort to the marginalized.
The experience of the sisters in Mumugu Batas Batu is a reflection of courage and selfless sacrifice. They demonstrate that in the midst of uncertainty and danger, love and service to others remain a primary concern.
Sister Florida, PRR, returns from the garden, passing the Trans Papua Road that connects Asmat and Nduga. She meets women who have just sold their produce.
Sister Florida, PRR, returns from the garden, passing the Trans Papua Road that connects Asmat and Nduga. She meets women who have just sold their produce.
With generous support from
Aid to the Church in Need
Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
Text and photos by Andreas Wahyu
Produced by Peter Monthienvichienchai
Published August 31, 2024
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