Tolikara Police Deploy Brimob After Disturbance in Bokondini

The Tolikara Resort Police have deployed personnel from the Mobile Brigade Corps to the Bokondini District, Tolikara Regency, in the Papua Pegunungan region. On 14 April, a disturbance occurred in Tolikara that resulted in the death of a civilian.

The Head of Tolikara Police, Commissioner Roberth Hitipeuw, stated that the involvement of Brimob personnel in Bokondini was to assist in maintaining security in the area to keep the situation safe.

“Brimob backup from Wamena consists of 30 personnel to help maintain security,” Roberth said via WhatsApp message on Friday, 17 April 2026.

He explained that three days after the disturbance, the situation in Bokondini District, particularly in Mairini Village, has gradually become safe and conducive. “We remain on standby to ensure no repeat disturbances,” Roberth said.

Previously, a resident of Mairini Village, Bokondini District, Tolikara Regency, Papua Pegunungan, died from a gunshot wound following a disturbance in Bokondini District on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

Eneko Bahabol, staff from the Evangelical Church Council in Indonesia (GIDI), said based on information gathered, the resident named Elky Wunungga was shot dead at the scene.

“The shooting is suspected to have been carried out by officers from the Bokondini Sector Police,” Eneko said via WhatsApp message on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.

Before the shooting incident, he said, a disturbance broke out among villagers in Bokondini who were conducting a traditional funeral procession. The disturbance escalated when villagers exchanged stone-throwing actions.

Shortly after, members of the Bokondini Police Sector arrived at the scene. However, without engaging in dialogue, the police dispersed the crowd by immediately firing rifles towards the group.

Roberth denied that his personnel fired towards the crowd. He said that upon arriving at the location, the personnel attempted to break up the fight between villagers through persuasive efforts.

However, those efforts were unsuccessful. According to him, the villagers counter-attacked the personnel, who at the time numbered only eight. “The warning shots fired by the members were directed into the air, not towards the crowd,” he stated.