Timika, Papua – Timotius Samin, the Kamoro Tribal Chief in Mimika Regency, has condemned the shooting of civilians that occurred near the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival (FBLB) in Walesi District, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua. He called on communities across Papua, particularly in Mimika Regency, to work together to maintain security and peace ahead of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
Timotius made the statement while giving a testimonial to personnel of the Public Relations Task Force of the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 in Mimika Regency on Tuesday (August 11, 2026).
He said violence against civilians could not be justified because it causes suffering and undermines the public’s sense of security. According to him, maintaining peace and stability in Papua is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of all members of society.
“Greetings of peace to all people in Papua, especially the people of Mimika Regency. I strongly condemn the shooting of civilians carried out by an armed group at the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Walesi, Jayawijaya Regency. I condemn all forms of violence and killing against civilians. Such actions cannot be justified and will only harm the community and disrupt security and peace in Papua,” Timotius said.
He also expressed his appreciation to police officers and other security personnel who had provided protection and responded to the incident. He said the presence of security personnel in the field was important to ensure that communities continued to receive protection during security disturbances.
“I would like to thank the local police officers and other security personnel, supported by the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz, for the protection and prompt response provided in dealing with the shooting incident in Jayawijaya. We appreciate the professional and measured actions taken while continuing to prioritize the safety of the community,” he said.
Ahead of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, Timotius urged communities in Mimika Regency to help maintain public security and order and to use the Independence anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen unity.
He also encouraged residents to fly the Indonesian Red-and-White flag as a symbol of togetherness and national spirit ahead of Independence Day.
“I call on and urge all people, particularly in Mimika Regency, to work together with security personnel to maintain public security and order so that the situation remains safe and conducive. Let us create an atmosphere of peace as we welcome Indonesia’s Independence Day. Let us fly the Red-and-White flag together as a symbol of our pride, unity, and love for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Let us keep Papua safe, peaceful, and conducive. Together, let us build a peaceful Papua for a better future for all of us,” he concluded.
