The Vatican has appointed Father Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, OSA, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Timika, ending a nearly six-year period of sede vacante.
The official announcement was made at the Three Kings Cathedral Church in Timika.
Speaking to the congregation after a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the cathedral, Father Baru acknowledged his initial reluctance to take on the role, expressing a personal preference for a quieter life dedicated to biblical studies as a religious friar of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA).
“However, I cannot refuse a direct order from the Church when the Pontiff asked me to become the new prelate in Timika Diocese,” the bishop-elect said.
Father Baru emphasized that his decision to accept the appointment was influenced by the strong need for the Papuan people to have a native bishop leading the diocese.
His appointment has been welcomed with enthusiasm by fellow clergy members and those who have worked with him over the years.
Father John Richard Rempormase, OSA, a fellow friar, affirmed that Father Baru is a deeply committed and qualified religious leader.
“He has a strong sense of care and a good heart for his fellow Papuan people. We—the Indonesian Order of Saint Augustine (OSA)—are very proud to see one of our own friars appointed as the new prelate of the Diocese of Timika,” he said.
Riwi Nugroho, a former classmate of Father Baru at the Fajar Timur School of Philosophy and Theology, also shared his thoughts on the bishop-elect’s character and leadership qualities.
“As a person, he is very humble and willing to listen to everyone, whether they are native Papuans or non-Papuan migrants,” Riwi noted.
Father Baru earned his doctorate in missiology in 2015 and has served as the dean of the Jayapura-based School of Philosophy and Theology “Fajar Timur” in Abepura for the past three years.
“Despite never having been assigned a pastoral mission as a parish priest, Father Baru is a devout and humble Augustinian friar who values listening to others,” Riwi added.
The appointment of a new bishop for Timika was a challenging process, with strong calls from the local Papuan community for a native bishop to be chosen.
The prolonged selection process took nearly six years, requiring careful consultation between the Vatican, the Indonesian Catholic Church, and local communities.
“The Vatican’s choice to tap Father Baru is the right and good decision,” Riwi said.
Timika, located in Indonesia’s easternmost province, is a critical hub for the region, with its proximity to the mining operations of Freeport Inc., one of the world’s largest copper and gold mining companies.
The city’s significance, both religiously and economically, adds weight to Father Baru’s new role as bishop.
