Traditional Moni dances, noken bags, and ceremonial Papuan headdresses welcomed bishops, government leaders, and Catholic faithful in a historic celebration marking the episcopal ordination of Mgr. Bernardus Bofitwus Baru, OSA—the second native Papuan to be appointed bishop.
Held from May 13 to 15, the three-day event began with Solemn Vespers and culminated in a thanksgiving Mass, following the ordination liturgy led by Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia, Archbishop Piero Pioppo.
Bishop Baru now heads the Diocese of Timika, which had remained sede vacante for over five years following the death of Bishop John Philip Saklil.
“This ordination is a sign of the Holy See’s close attention to the Catholic faithful in Papua,” said Archbishop Pioppo, emphasizing the Church’s mission to foster harmony and peace in a region facing complex social challenges.
In attendance were high-ranking church leaders and civil officials, including Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu, Lt. Gen. Bambang Trisnohadi of Joint Regional Defense Command III, Maybrat Regent Karel Murafer, and Mimika Regent Johannes Rettob.
“Welcome, and thank you for attending the ordination of the Bishop of Timika. We hope everyone feels at home here,” said Regent Rettob in his address.
In his first message as bishop, Mgr. Bernardus Bofitwus Baru OSA thanked the faithful for their trust and outlined three priorities: listening, open dialogue, and collaborative ministry. “May we continue what has already been started by the first bishop of Timika, Mgr. John Philip Saklil,” he said.
“Our relationships are not transactional, but must be grounded in love, friendship, and shared humanity. We are called to become doors for one another,” he added, urging cooperation between the Church, indigenous traditions, and local authorities to build peace in Papua.
“I am not a victor, but a sacrificial lamb chosen to lead the Diocese of Timika—a Papuan regency often marked by conflict and sorrow. God does not seek perfection, but faithfulness,” he said.
Bishop Baru is also the first Augustinian to be named a bishop in Indonesia. His relationship with Pope Leo XIV dates back to their shared time in the Order of St. Augustine. While studying at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, he was introduced to then-Pope Francis by the Order’s Prior General, Fr. Robert F. Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV.
The Diocese of Timika covers an area home to the massive Freeport-McMoRan mining operations, one of the world’s largest gold and copper extraction sites. The ordination of a second native Papuan bishop is seen by many as a sign of renewed pastoral energy for proclaiming the Gospel and addressing the unique needs of Papua.
