Jayawijaya, Highland Papua – The Chairman of the Jayawijaya Customary Council (Lembaga Masyarakat Adat/LMA), Herman Doga, has urged residents across Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua Province, to safeguard security and public order while resisting outside provocations that could trigger unrest in the Baliem Valley, Tuesday (Sept 16, 2025).
In his statement, Herman Doga emphasized that Jayawijaya, as part of the newly established province, must be built upon a culture of peace. He warned against importing conflicts from other areas, such as the recent unrest in Yalimo, into the Baliem Valley.
“This has always been a peaceful region. We must not allow external influences to bring chaos into the Baliem Valley. We need to protect our development so it remains safe and unharmed,” Herman Doga said.
He further called on tribal chiefs, village leaders, district-level customary council heads, and the wider community to safeguard all entry routes into Jayawijaya, including Yalimo-Wamena, Mamberamo-Wamena, Tolikara-Wamena, Lanny Jaya-Wamena, Nduga-Wamena, and Yahukimo-Wamena. According to him, every citizen has an important role to play in securing their respective areas.
“This is not a place for looting or fighting. Tribal chiefs, village leaders, district heads, and LMA leaders must protect their own communities. We cannot allow outside conflicts to disturb the peace of the Baliem Valley,” he stressed.
Herman Doga concluded by reminding residents to maintain security in their daily environments—whether at home, in churches, or in traditional honai houses—in support of ongoing development in Jayawijaya. He closed his appeal with a call for unity in creating a lasting atmosphere of peace for the progress of the region.
