Mulia, Puncak Jaya – Clashes between supporters of regional election candidates in Puncak Jaya Regency have left at least 12 people dead and 658 others injured. The conflict, which lasted from November 27, 2024, to April 4, 2025, also resulted in the destruction of 201 buildings and was reportedly exploited by an Armed Criminal Group (KKB).
Brigadier General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., Head of Operation Peace Cartenz-2025, stated in a written release on Saturday (April 5) that the clashes involved supporters of Candidate Pair 01 and Candidate Pair 02.
“Based on our data, 12 fatalities have been confirmed. Eight of the victims were supporters of Candidate Pair 01,” Faizal said.
Hundreds of others sustained injuries, most of them from arrow wounds. Of the 658 injured, 423 were from the Candidate Pair 01 camp, while 230 were from Candidate Pair 02.
The material damage was also significant. A total of 201 buildings were burned down, including 196 homes, one elementary school (SD Pruleme Belakang Toba Jaya), the Trikora village hall, the Irimuli district office, the Gelora Party office, and the Pagaleme village hall.
Brig. Gen. Faizal added that several of the fatalities were likely caused by gunfire from KKB members who took advantage of the political unrest to launch attacks.
“We suspect the KKB intentionally exploited the situation to carry out violent actions,” he said.
Deputy Chief of Operation Peace Cartenz, Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, and Head of the Public Relations Task Force, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., called on the public to maintain security and order during the ongoing political process.
“We urge all residents of Puncak Jaya to work together in keeping the situation peaceful and under control. Security is our shared responsibility,” said Commissioner Yusuf.
The appeal was issued as a preventive measure to avoid further escalation and to protect the region’s stability and development.
