Police: Wamena Tribal War Triggered by 2024 Accident Involving DPRD Member

The Papua Regional Police have stated that the inter-tribal warfare occurring in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua, was triggered by an accident involving a member of the Lanny Jaya Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in 2024.

Papua Regional Police Head of Public Relations, Kombes Cahyo Sukarnito, explained that the settlement of customary fines following the accident could not be resolved. He noted that while local governments typically intervene in such matters, the inability of the then-acting officials (Pj) to allocate the necessary budget meant the compensation was never paid, leading to grievances. “Tribal warfare began from that point. It started with small-scale incidents that eventually escalated to the current peak,” Sukarnative said on Monday (18/5).

According to Cahyo, the central government has intervened to resolve the conflict by dispatching the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Ribka Haluk. Additionally, the Papua Regional Police have deployed personnel to ensure security, including 100 Brimob personnel from Battalion D, alongside members of the local Police and Military (TNI) commands.

Cahyo claimed that the situation is gradually becoming conducive following a dialogue held on Sunday (17/5). The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk, Governor of Highland Papua Jhon Tabo, Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih Major General Febriel Buyung Sikumbang, and several regional officials and community leaders. “We are currently in a recovery phase; the situation is stable. We have stationed personnel across seven locations to maintain security through checkpoints,” added Cahyo.

The tribal warfare in Wamena has reportedly claimed 13 lives and left 19 others injured. The clashes involve the Pirime (Lanny) and Kurima (Woma) tribes, which initially broke out in the Woma District on Thursday (14/5) and spread across several locations in Jayawijaya by Friday (15/5).

Jayawijaya Police Public Relations Officer, Ipda Efendi Al Husaini, confirmed that the latest data shows 13 deaths. Of the 19 injured, three are in serious condition, with dozens receiving treatment at the Wamena Regional General Hospital (RUSD). While police are still assessing the number of buildings damaged or burned, hundreds of residents have been forced to flee. Total displacement stands at 789 people, including 298 children and 122 elderly individuals.