Central Papua Prepares Temporary Offices After Puncak Riots
The Central Papua provincial government is preparing to restore public services in Puncak Regency after a riot resulted in 18 government offices being burned, damaged, or looted.
Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa stated in a written release received in Nabire on Friday that the provincial government is ensuring that government services continue during the handling and recovery process.
“We will not leave them to manage alone; we will continue to stand together with the community in Ilaga. Several heads of regional apparatus organisations have been dispatched first to Ilaga to assist in handling the aftermath,” Meki said while chairing a coordination meeting in Ilaga, Puncak Regency, on Friday.
The Central Papua Provincial Government and the Puncak Regency Government are prioritising an inventory of damage to buildings, equipment, and documents as a basis for preparing rehabilitation and reconstruction plans for the government facilities. The government is also preparing alternative facilities or temporary workspaces to ensure that services to the community continue.
From a security perspective, the regional government, together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Indonesian National Police, and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, are taking steps to restore security and order. The government is also working to rebuild public trust through dialogue with various parties.
Central Papua Vice Governor Deinas Geley said the issue in Puncak Regency is a serious concern for the provincial government, requiring synergy from various parties to prevent similar incidents.
The meeting agreed to accelerate the repair and rehabilitation of affected government offices and to resolve the issue of distributing the first phase of the 2026 fiscal year Village Funds transparently. The government will also enhance communication and dialogue with traditional leaders, religious leaders, and the community to prevent misunderstandings that could potentially trigger conflict.
The riot occurred in Ilaga, Puncak Regency, on Tuesday night. The Central Papua Regional Police have processed the crime scene involving the 18 government offices that were burned, damaged, or looted. Despite the damage to several facilities, the Puncak Regency Government has ensured that the wheels of government and services to the community continue to operate.
The coordination meeting was attended by the Acting Regent of Puncak, officials from the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, and district and village heads.