Jakarta — The Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly for Papua (MPR for Papua), Yorrys Raweyai, has urged law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate the killing of a teacher in Yahukimo, Highland Papua, identified as Melani Wamea, who was allegedly attacked by an armed criminal group (KKB).
In his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, Yorrys expressed deep concern over the tragic incident involving the Jhon D. Wilson School teacher.
“This incident cannot be tolerated. Whoever the perpetrators are, acts of violence against educators cannot be accepted under any circumstances,” said Yorrys, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI).
Acts of violence targeting educators in Papua have occurred repeatedly.
According to Yorrys, since the beginning of 2025, dozens of teachers have fallen victim to violence—some losing their lives and others suffering serious injuries.
In addition to attacks on educators, school facilities have also been targeted. One such case was the burning of SMP Kiwirok in Pegunungan Bintang Regency, which was allegedly carried out by members of the KKB on Monday (October 13).
Yorrys called on security forces to take firm action and conduct a thorough investigation into the recurring attacks on educational infrastructure in Papua, particularly in Highland Papua.
“The education infrastructure is the frontline of human resource development in the Land of Cenderawasih,” he emphasized.
“I urge all parties, especially security forces, to take firm and comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of teachers and school facilities in Papua,” Yorrys added.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of MPR for Papua, Filep Wamafma, stated that the violence targeting the education sector in Highland Papua requires a comprehensive response from all stakeholders concerned about the future of Papua.
He stressed that the dozens of teacher victims and the burning of schools throughout 2025 should draw serious attention from every stakeholder.
“The violence against teachers and the destruction of school buildings have become a humanitarian issue. This is no longer about ideological differences but about the future of Papua’s young generation,” Filep said.
Earlier, Yahukimo Police Chief AKBP Zeth Zalino confirmed that the KKB carried out an attack that led to the death of a teacher in Holuwon, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua.
“Melani Wamea, who worked as a teacher, died on Friday due to injuries sustained after being assaulted by the KKB,” said Police Chief AKBP Zeth Zalino on Friday (October 10).
