Jayapura – The Jayawijaya Resort Police (Polres Jayawijaya) are investigating a riot that broke out during a thanksgiving event for the Regent and Deputy Regent of Jayawijaya in Wamena on Saturday evening (March 15). The incident resulted in six injuries, including three police officers who were on duty securing the event.
Jayawijaya Police Chief, AKBP Heri Wibowo, stated that the clashes erupted at Kama Soccer Field on J.B. Wenas Street, Wamena. In addition to the injured victims, seven vehicles were damaged, including a police truck that was set on fire by the mob.
According to police reports, the riot was triggered by a group of individuals suspected to be under the influence of alcohol entering the traditional bakar batu (stone-burning) area. The situation escalated when stones and wooden objects were thrown from the bakar batu area toward the center stage, leading to a violent clash between groups of attendees.
Police officers, assisted by Brimob personnel, attempted to control the situation, but the mob retaliated by attacking law enforcement and vandalizing vehicles around the scene. Order was finally restored after the military (TNI) intervened to assist security efforts.
To prevent further unrest, security forces have increased patrols and set up checkpoints in several areas to anticipate potential gatherings of more protesters moving into the city center.
