Latest Update on the Wamena Tribal War That Killed 13 People
Tribal clashes occurred in Wamena, in the Jayawijaya Regency of the Papua Highlands. The violence left 13 people dead and 19 injured. A total of 789 residents were displaced, including 298 children and 122 elderly.
Papua Police said the clashes between the Pirime (Lanny) and Kurima (Woma) tribes began as a minor escalation but have since widened. The trigger was a dispute over adat fines related to a 2024 accident involving a member of the Lanny Jaya Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). “Usually the local government steps in to handle such matters, especially as the victim was a regency councillor. At the time there was no resolution because the administration was led by acting officials (Pj) and could not allocate a budget for it; thus the damages could not be addressed,” said Public Relations Head Kombes Cahyo Sukarnito when contacted on Monday (18 May).
Central government also stepped in by sending Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk to mediate. Ribka attended a dialogue on Sunday (17 May). In addition to Ribka, participants included Governor of the Papua Highlands Jhon Tabo, XVII/Cenderawasih Military Commander Major General Febriel Buyung Sikumbang, Danrem 172/PWY Brigadier General Roby Suryadi, Police liaison officer for the Papua Highlands Andi Yoseph Enoch, Jayawijaya Police Chief AKBP Anak Agung Made Satriya Bimantara, Lanny Jaya Police Chief AKBP Frans D. Tamaela, and other local officials and community leaders.
Cahyo said during the dialogue the Governor offered condolences and urged restraint; the local government urged residents of Lanny Jaya in Wamena to return to their home area to prevent further spread of conflict. Representatives asked for settlement through adat mechanisms with security guarantees for travel back to Lanny Jaya.
Police said the security situation in Wamena is gradually stabilising after the dialogue. Security forces from Jayawijaya Police and Brimob are stationed at seven strategic points in Wamena. “The situation in Wamena is gradually conducive. People have begun resuming normal activities, including worship, office work, and education,” Cahyo said on Monday (18 May). He added that security forces would continue to guard to ensure the situation remains safe and under control. In addition to patrols at several points, the joint forces will conduct limited patrols at certain locations as a precaution.
Papua Governor John Tabo filed a police report regarding defamation after accusations that he had stirred up the situation and the tribal conflict in Wamena. “I came to report the voice circulating on social media and in WhatsApp groups last evening into this morning, where someone accuses me of aggravating the situation and the tribal war in Wamena,” he said in Wamena. He said he went to the Jayawijaya Police to verify whether the voice circulating on social media is true or false and to hold the person responsible for what was said. “There are rules governing what is said on social media. As a good citizen I must pursue legal action to ensure justice for every Indonesian citizen,” he added. He also urged Jayawijaya Police to follow up on the report and identify the actor behind the messages within a week.