The Philosophy of the Meaning of One Furnace and Three Stones (Satu Tungku Tiga Batu) in the People of Fakfak, West Papua

Abstract

The philosophy of "Satu Tungku Tiga Batu" (One Stove Three Stones) in Fakfak Regency, West Papua, is a model of local wisdom proven effective in maintaining harmony among religious communities (Islam, Protestantism, and Catholicism). This study aims to deeply analyze the phenomenological meaning of the philosophy based on the lived experiences and intersubjective consciousness of the local community. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with custom leaders, religious figures, youth, and interfaith families, supported by participatory observation and documentary analysis. Data analysis followed the stages of epoche, bracketing, horizonalization, and synthesis of essential meanings. The results indicate that the metaphor of the "stove" is internalized as a shared space for collective life, while the "three stones" represent supporting pillars (Custom, Religion, and Government/Religious Groups) that must remain balanced. A primary finding reveals that biological lineage and clan kinship (marga) are positioned above dogmatic religious boundaries, preventing differences in faith from eroding fraternal ties. The internalization of these values occurs intuitively within the domestic sphere through the role of women/mothers and is re-interpreted by the younger generation as a social filter against digital-era provocations. Functionally, this philosophy acts as an organic conflict resolution mechanism that localizes individual friction to prevent it from escalating into sectarian issues. This study concludes that religious harmony in Fakfak is rooted in a shared existential consciousness, offering a highly relevant model for strengthening local wisdom-based religious moderation in Indonesia.