Government Contract Teacher from East Flores Found Dead in South Papua

A teacher from East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Polikarpus Lewohala Hayon, was found dead in Kepi Village, Obaa District, Mappi, South Papua. The teacher, who held the status of Government Employee with Work Agreement (PPK), was discovered dead on Monday morning (8/6/2026).

“We heard the news this morning that he passed away, found lying face down. We do not know the reason or the circumstances,” said the victim’s mother, Mina Fernandez, when confirmed by local media.

Mina revealed that her son taught at Upin State Elementary School (SDN Upin) in Upin Village, Minyamur District, Mappi. Polikarpus had previously undergone the PPPK selection process in 2022 and was stationed to teach in the remote area.

Prior to the news of his death, Polikarpus had called Mina on Saturday (6/6/2026). According to Mina, during the call, her son expressed a desire to return to his hometown as he had not been back to East Flores for five years. “He wanted to go home next week to celebrate his birthday on 21 June 2026 with me, his mother,” Mina explained.

Mina expressed a profound hope that her son could still return to his home village despite his passing, stating she wished to embrace him one last time. “People in Papua want him to be buried in Papua, but I do not want that because my son has been away and has not yet returned home. Whatever happens, he must return to Solor,” Mina pleaded. “They are holding back the burial in Papua, but I want my son to come home. I gave birth to him, and I hope to embrace my child one last time.”