Pope Francis Appoints Father Bernard Baru as Bishop of Timika, Replacing Mgr. Saklil
New Bishop of the Diocese of Timika, Father Dr. Bernard Baru, OSA (left), and Parish Priest of the Christ the King Cathedral in Timika, Father Amandus Rahadat, Pr (right).
By Paulus Laratmase
[Leni Marlina: Editorial Team of Suaraanaknegerinews.com]
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Suaraanaknegerinews.com – On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Pope Francis officially appointed Father Bernard Bofitwos Baru, OSA, as the Bishop of the Diocese of Timika. The announcement was made at exactly 12:00 noon Rome time or 8:30 PM WIT in Papua. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of the Diocese of Timika, which had been without a bishop for five years following the passing of its first bishop, Mgr. John Philip Saklil, in 2019.
Bishop Bernard Baru, originally from Dusun Bakrabiy, Mare, West Papua, is an Augustinian friar with extensive experience in church ministry in Indonesia. Previously, he served as Superior of the Order of Saint Augustine for the Diocese of Manokwari-Sorong. His theological and missiological education is highly esteemed, as he earned a Doctorate in Missiology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome in 2017. This appointment signifies the beginning of a new journey for the Diocese of Timika, which faces significant challenges in social, cultural, and geographical aspects.
Located in Central Papua, specifically on the slopes of Mount Nemangkawi, the Diocese of Timika is known for its rich cultural diversity and complex social challenges. As the new bishop, Bishop Bernard Baru is expected to provide wise pastoral direction while continuing the social struggle initiated by Mgr. Saklil in advocating for peace and justice for Catholic believers in Papua.
Announcement at the Timika Cathedral Church
The official announcement of Bishop Bernard Baru’s appointment as Bishop of Timika was made during a Mass led by the Diocese’s Administrator, Father Marthen Ekowaibi Kuayo, Pr. The Mass was held at Gereja Katedral Tiga Raja Timika at 8:00 PM WIT and was also streamed live through the Diocese of Timika’s and Diocese of Jayapura’s communication channels.
During the event, Father Marthen read a letter from Mgr. Piero Pioppo, the Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia, expressing gratitude and appreciation to all members of the Diocese of Timika for their dedication in keeping the church running despite the leadership vacancy.
“My joy is even greater as I announce that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has chosen Father Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, OSA, as the new Bishop of Timika,” said Father Marthen, greeted by enthusiastic applause from the congregation.
Mgr. Pioppo also thanked Father Marthen for his collaboration in leading the Diocese of Timika during this transitional period.
New Challenges and Hopes for the Diocese of Timika
In his remarks, Bishop Bernard Baru expressed deep gratitude to the people of Papua for their prayers and unwavering support over the past five years, especially during the vacancy in the bishop’s seat. He acknowledged that his appointment as Bishop of Timika is a profound responsibility, even though he initially had doubts—similar to Saint Augustine’s experience when he hesitated to accept the role of bishop, fearing the burdens and temptations of power.
He shared the story of Saint Augustine, who initially declined to become a bishop due to concerns about pride and authority. However, Augustine ultimately accepted the call, recognizing it as God’s will. Bishop Bernard Baru related this to his own journey, stating that although he originally preferred a life of contemplation as a friar, he now feels called to serve the people of the Diocese of Timika.
“I never aspired to be a bishop. I preferred a life of prayer and silence. But the church in Papua needs me, and I am ready to embrace this mission as a calling from Christ,” he affirmed.
Educational and Ministerial Journey of Bishop Bernard Baru
Bishop Bernard Baru’s journey has been one of long dedication and service. After completing his primary education at SD YPPK Suswa, he continued his studies at SMP Santo Don Bosco in Fakfak and SMA Agustinus in Sorong. In 1995, he pursued theological studies at Sekolah Tinggi Pastoral Katolik (STPKat) in Semarang, Central Java, before continuing his studies in theology at Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat dan Teologi Fajar Timur in Abepura. In 2017, he earned a Doctorate in Missiology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome.
His long-standing service in the Order of Saint Augustine and the Diocese of Manokwari-Sorong has provided him with extensive knowledge of spiritual and pastoral life in Indonesia. Upon returning to Indonesia, he took on various church ministries and contributed to strengthening church structures in Papua. Previously, he served as Superior of the Order of Saint Augustine for the Diocese of Manokwari-Sorong for two terms, from 2010 to 2012.
Succeeding Mgr. Saklil and Looking Toward the Future
Bishop Bernard Baru succeeds Mgr. John Philip Saklil, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Timika, who passed away on August 3, 2019. The Diocese of Timika, which faces significant pastoral challenges amidst Papua’s diverse cultures and geography, now has renewed hope with the ordination of Bishop Bernard Baru. He is expected to continue the pastoral and social missions initiated by Mgr. Saklil and guide the Diocese of Timika toward peace, justice, and the strengthening of faith among the people of Papua.
With this appointment, the Catholic community of the Diocese of Timika now has a new spiritual leader who will guide them in faith, navigate the challenges of the times, and carry forward the mission of the church in Papua. May Bishop Bernard Baru be blessed in his pastoral duties, bringing light to the people of the Diocese of Timika and beyond.
