Tense Scenes in Wamena! Tribal War Erupts Over Customary Fine Dispute

The atmosphere in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Pegunungan, is tense after a tribal war erupted due to a dispute over a customary fine related to a traffic accident that killed a member of the Lanny Jaya DPRD in 2024. The clashes involve the Lanny and Hubla (Kurima) tribes using arrows and sharp weapons. The conflict, which began on Thursday, has spread to several areas in Jayawijaya by Friday (15 May 2026).

As reported by Detikcom, the Papua Police Chief, Irjen Patrige R Renwarin, said that the conflict was triggered by dissatisfaction with the payment of a customary fine of IDR 2 billion and 30 pigs, which had previously been agreed upon through traditional consultations. A joint community group is said to have paid the fine on 6 May 2026, but the Lanny Jaya side felt that the payment did not comply with the agreement, thus triggering an attack.

The Head of Public Relations at the Jayawijaya Police, Ipda Efendi Al Husaini, revealed that the tribal war resulted in two deaths and 19 injuries, consisting of four seriously injured and 15 lightly injured. In addition to casualties, hundreds of residents have also been displaced due to the deteriorating security situation. The police recorded that as many as 472 residents had taken refuge at the Jayawijaya Police Headquarters for protection.

The clashes also triggered the burning of houses and honai (traditional Papuan houses) around Kali Uwe Wouma and spread to several locations such as Jalan Diponegoro Wamena and Pasar Wouma. The police force together with the local government are now continuously monitoring the situation and prioritizing a dialogue-based approach, involving traditional customs, and engaging religious leaders to reduce the conflict and prevent further escalation.