Tension in Wamena: Tribal Warfare Leaves 13 Dead and 789 Displaced

Tension in Wamena: Tribal Warfare Leaves 13 Dead and 789 Displaced

Tribal warfare in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Highlands, has claimed 13 lives, with 19 others reported injured.

“Based on the latest updated data, 13 people have died in the tribal war,” said Ipda Efendi Al Husaini, Head of Public Relations for the Jayawijaya Police, to detikcom on Sunday (17/5).

Of the 19 injured, three are reported to be in serious condition. Dozens of casualties remain under treatment at the Wamena Regional General Hospital (RUSD).

“There are three people with severe injuries, while 16 have sustained minor injuries,” he stated.

Police authorities are currently assessing the number of buildings damaged or burned during the conflict. However, hundreds of residents have reportedly fled their homes.

“The total number of displaced persons is 789, including 298 children and 122 elderly individuals. In terms of gender, there are 315 men and 476 women,” he revealed.

The tribal clashes in Wamena involved the Pirime (Lanny) and Kurima (Woma) tribes. The violence initially broke out in the Woma District, Jayawijaya, on Thursday (14/5) and escalated across several locations in Jayawijaya through Friday (15/5).

During the clashes, both parties utilised sharp weapons and arrows. The Papua Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Patrige R. Renwarin, stated that the conflict between the two groups was triggered by a traffic accident that killed a member of the Lanny Jaya Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) in May 2024.

“The conflict originated from an old dispute that reignited due to issues regarding customary fines following the traffic accident that killed a member of the Lanny Jaya DPRD in 2024,” Inspector General Patrige said in a statement on Friday (15/5).

Patrige did not elaborate further on the specific customary fine issue. However, the situation became increasingly complex after mediation regarding the payment of the fine reached a deadlock, leading to the retaliatory attacks.

“The tragedy escalated after a suspension bridge over the UE River collapsed while being crossed by a crowd, causing dozens of residents to be swept away and go missing,” he added.