Jayapura, Feb. 27 -- Traditional leaders hold the key to lasting peace and sustainable development in Papua, according to Herman Yoku, who believes that harmony in the region depends on strengthening dialogue between customary authorities and the government.

Yoku, chief of the Wikaya Tribe in Keerom District, shared his views in a recent interview with ANTARA in Jayapura, describing traditional leaders as "kings of the earth" who embody moral authority and community trust.

His remarks echo the spirit of " Papua Tanah Damai " (The Peaceful Land of Papua), a motto embraced since 2019 when then-Governor Lukas Enembe joined religious, community, police and military leaders in signing a peace declaration.

The declaration, witnessed by then-...