Mimika Regency Government: Health workers and teachers evacuated from Jila District

Timika (ANTARA) - The Mimika Regency Government in Central Papua has evacuated health workers, teachers, and civil servants from Jila District following a hostage-taking incident carried out by an armed group in the area on 17 August 2026.

Mimika Regent Johannes Rettob said in Timika on Thursday that the health workers, teachers, and civil servants working at the district office were evacuated using an Indonesian Air Force helicopter on 18 August 2026.

“The evacuation has been carried out using a helicopter from Yohanis Kapiyau Air Force Base in Timika. We evacuated them to Timika and they are now in Timika,” he said.

With the evacuation of health workers, teachers, and district government employees, all public services in the area, including education, health, and government administration, will be temporarily suspended.

Deputy Regent of Mimika Emanuel Kemong appealed to all residents of Mimika to remain calm and entrust all security matters to the Indonesian military and police.

He also expressed hope that the situation in Jila District would soon become conducive and that residents there could resume their normal activities.

“I urge my brothers and sisters up there to ensure that the girls who were taken by force are found quickly and can return to their parents safely,” he said.

He called on all residents of Mimika to maintain security and order so that Mimika Regency remains safe and peaceful.

“Let us continue to protect the land of Mimika and the land of Papua so that it remains safe and peaceful,” he said.