Jayapura – The explosion that injured YPPK Titigi Elementary School student Misana Hagisimijau in Titigi Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, on November 9 2023 is suspected to have been a mine explosion.
This was stated by the Head of Public Relations of the Papua Regional Police, Kombes Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo in Kota.
“The explosion probably occurred as a result of the victim throwing a stone at the bird and it hit a mine. “It is possible that [the] explosives were planted previously by security forces, considering that Titigi Village is considered a base for the West Papua National Liberation Army [or TPNPB] Intan Jaya Region,” said Benny.
Benny stated that the Intan Jaya Resort Police (Polres) were still investigating the explosion case which resulted in Hagisimijau suffering serious injuries to his left leg. “The case has been handled by the Intan Jaya Police, and the victim is under medical treatment at a hospital in Mimika,” he said.
Benny said that based on witness testimony, the Principal of YPPK Titigi Elementary School, Yohanes Weya, the explosion occurred when the victim was on his way home from school, and he was throwing stones at birds around the road. The location of the explosion was around 40 meters from YPPK Titigi Elementary School.
According to Benny, witness Yosua Hagisimijau said a large explosion was heard, causing school children to run to his house and the principal to report the victim.
“After the incident, the victim was taken to the Yokatapa Regional General Hospital (RSUD) to receive medical treatment. “Serious injuries to the victim’s legs were caused by fragments of the explosion,” he said.
On November 9 at 13.58 WP, Misana Hagisimijau was evacuated to Bilogai Airport and flown to Mimika Regency by Reven PK-RVV aircraft. Misana Hagisimijau is currently being treated at the Timika Regional General Hospital in Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province.
