Governor John Tabo Files Police Report After Being Accused of Inciting Unrest in Wamena
The Governor of Highland Papua, John Tablo, has filed a police report regarding a defamation case following allegations that he exacerbated the atmosphere and tribal warfare in Wamena.
“I have come to report voice messages circulating on social media and WhatsApp groups from yesterday afternoon until this morning, in which an actor accuses me of worsening the situation and causing the tribal conflict in Wamena,” he stated in Wamena on Sunday (17/5).
John Tabo explained that his visit to the Jayawijaya Police Headquarters was also intended to verify the truth of these claims and ensure the individual responsible is held accountable. He emphasised that there are legal regulations governing social media usage and that, as a responsible citizen, he is pursuing legal channels to ensure justice. He further asserted that this police report serves as a legal lesson for the public, particularly in Highland Papua, against making reckless accusations on social media. He dismissed the link between his development efforts and the conflict, noting that the warfare has been ongoing since 2024, originating from a traffic accident involving a vehicle from the Kurima tribe and a driver from Lanny Jaya.
The Governor has requested that the Jayawijaya Police follow up on the report and identify the individual behind the social media messages within one week. Meanwhile, the Liaison Officer of the Papua Regional Police in Highland Papua, Kombes Pol Andi Y Enoch, confirmed that the report would be processed immediately, with investigators set to take a statement from the Governor and begin the search for the perpetrator.
Tribal warfare in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, has resulted in 13 deaths and left 19 others injured, with three individuals in critical condition. Dozens of casualties are currently being treated at the Wamena Regional General Hospital (RSUD). Police are still assessing the extent of property damage, including buildings burnt or destroyed, while hundreds of residents have been forced to flee their homes.
The tribal clashes involve the Pirime (Lanny) and Kurima (Woma) tribes, which began in the Woma District on Thursday (14/5) and escalated across several locations in Jayawijaya through Friday (15/5). The conflict involved the use of sharp weapons and arrows. The Papua Regional Police Chief, Irjen Patrige R. Renwarin, stated that the clashes were triggered by a traffic accident that killed a member of the Lanny Jaya Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) in May 2024. He noted that the conflict stemmed from long-standing disputes that reignited due to issues surrounding customary fines following the fatal accident, which escalated into violence after mediation efforts reached a deadlock.