NTT Teacher Found Dead in South Papua's Mappi, Provincial Government Coordinates Repatriation

A Government Employee with a Work Agreement (PPPK) teacher from East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Polikarpus Lewohala Hayon, was found dead in Kepi Village, Obaa District, Mappi Regency, South Papua. Polikarpus was discovered deceased on Monday morning (8/6/2026). To date, the family has not learned the precise chronology or cause of his death. Information circulating indicates Polikarpus was found lifeless at the scene. However, the family admits they have yet to receive a full explanation regarding the incident. The victim’s mother, Mina Fernandez, stated that the family is still awaiting clarity from authorities and relevant parties in Papua. “We heard the news this morning that he died face down. So we do not know the reason why. We also do not know the condition,” she said. Mina expressed profound grief over the loss of her child. She hopes Polikarpus’s remains can be promptly repatriated to his hometown on Solor Island, East Flores, NTT, so the family can pay their last respects. Mina also revealed that Polikarpus had expressed a desire to return home before his death. “He wanted to come home next week to celebrate his birthday on 21 June 2026 together with me, his mother,” Mina explained. Polikarpus was known to be teaching at Upin State Primary School, Upin Village, Minyamur District, Mappi Regency. He was one of the teachers who passed the PPPK selection in 2022 and was posted to that remote area. NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena stated that his office has received a report on the event and is immediately coordinating with various parties for the repatriation process of the remains. “I am contacting the provincial government channel and the South Papua Floobamor Association regarding this matter,” said Laka Lena on Wednesday (10/6/2026).