Lanny Jaya, IDNtribune.com – The newly built statue of Jesus set on Indonesia’s highest point, becomes the newest religious tourism destination in Papua.

Before the establishment of the statue in Papua, Makale, Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi was known to have the highest set statue of christ known as ‘Yesus Buntu Burake.’ Standing 45 meters tall, on an altitude of 1,700 MASL. The newly established statue named ‘Monumen Kasih Karunia’ (Grace Monument) was set up in Lanny Jaya Regency, Wamena. It has a height of two meters and was built at an altitude of 2,416 masl.

Inspiration for the statue was taken from the design of the famous 38-meter-high Christo Redentor(Christ the Redeemer) located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

‘Monumen Kasih Karunia’ (Grace Monument) was erected on a 160-centimeter-high foundation with a diameter of 150 cm, made with cast cement and weighing a total of 450 kilograms.

The width of this statue when measured from the span of the statue’s hands reached a length of 205 cm. The statue was made in an Art Deco Style and was carved by Balinese Artist, I Gede Sarantika

According to Gunadi Karjono from the Karunia Merah Putih Foundation whom prepared the statue beforehand, the Statue took 14 days by ship to reach Jayapura from Bali.

It was then airlifted from Jayapura to Wamena using Trigana Air, which took 45 minutes. Upon arrival, the statue continued it’s journey to the Malayganeri District which took a duration of 4 hours.
One personnel stationed in the Malaygayneri Outpost,
Lance Corporal Denny Silaban, explained the difficulties in transporting the Statue of Jesus Christ into the Village of Lawanon. Where the monument was planned to be built.

The uphill, narrow and slippery terrain, along with bad weather. The challenges to transport the statue of Jesus Christ only continued to increase as the statue had to cross a narrow sturdy bridge made of wooden planks

The local youths enthusiastically participated in helping the Malagayneri Outpost Personnel of the 203/AK Mechanized Infantry Battalion Organic Task Force transport the statue by directly working hand in hand.

Upon arrival at Lawanom Village, the personnel of the Malayganeri Outpost were welcomed by the local residents who were filled with gratitude and happiness. They then started to bond with the personnel, enjoying roasted sweet potatoes with a cup of coffee. It was a relief after a difficult journey in transporting the statue.

This monument was inaugurated by the Dansatgas Yonif Mechanical 203/AK Lt. Col. Inf Achmad Zaki, Wednesday (22/3/2023). The Grace of Grace Monument adds to the list of similar works in the Papuan Plains.

Commander of the 203/AK Mechanized Infantry Battalion Organic Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Achmad Zaki officially inaugurated the monument on Wednesday (22/3/2023). Monumen Kasih Karunia adds to the list of similar statues standing in Papua.

In the Mountainous backdrop, ‘Christo Redentor’ firmly stands as it’s white marble color contrasts with the natural surroundings. ‘Monumen Kasih’, a similar monument to this one, which is located in Tanjung Abori, Serui Laut. It stands 33 meters high

Aside from that, Statue of Christ the King of the Universe in Merauke, South Papua to commemorate the first day the Catholic Church entered Merauke City. The statue, which was inaugurated on August 14, 2011, is 12 meters high.

‘Christ the King of the Universe’ is another similar monument located in Merauke, South Papua. It was inaugurated last 2011 on the 14th of August to commemorate the first day the Catholic Church entered the city of Merauke. ***