TWO months ago, thousands of people crowded into the Tatadisantara building in Timika, Papua to take part in the traditional ugon urawin ceremony. The ugon urawin ceremony is performed to expel hatred, enmity and revenge from society. Dressed in traditional costume, the crowd watched as a tree, symbolising peace and reconciliation, was planted in the courtyard.

The ceremony was held to settle a dispute that erupted in Timika, during which