Papua – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka canceled a working visit to Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Wednesday (January 14, 2026).
This was due to the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) threatening to shoot down the plane carrying the Papuan delegation.
Regarding this, Papuan figures and activists emphasized that the conflict there is not a trivial matter.
This was conveyed by Theo Hesegem, Director of the Papua Justice and Human Integrity Foundation. He highlighted the cancellation of Gibran’s visit to Yahukimo due to security concerns.
Thus, Theo emphasized that the problems in Papua cannot be considered trivial.
In fact, the problems in Papua cannot be resolved through ceremonial events.
Therefore, Theo criticized Gibran’s visit to Papua on January 13-14, 2026.
He highlighted Gibran’s activities in Papua, which he considered merely ceremonial.
During his visit to Papua, Gibran only played soccer and visited markets and schools.
Instead, Theo hoped Gibran would engage in dialogue with those with differing political views, such as the Papuan Customary Council and OPM figures.
“The cancellation of the Vice President’s visit to Yahukimo shows that there are serious problems that the state must resolve, and this cannot be done through ceremonial visits to play soccer, visit markets and schools alone. There must be dialogue with those with differing political views, such as the Papuan Customary Council (DAP), political factions, human rights activists, and even OPM figures,” said Theo.
Previously, TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom spread terror by shooting down a commercial airliner.
The shooting was carried out as a warning to the Vice President not to visit Yahukimo.
“The shooting down of this plane was a warning to Vice President Gibran Rakabuming not to enter the war zone in Yahukimo,” said Sebby.
