Jayapura – A prominent tribal leader from Papua’s Central Highlands, Bani Tabuni, has called on the community to uphold security and order during the ongoing vote recount of the Papua gubernatorial election re-run. The crucial process has been underway at the District Election Committee (PPD) level since August 6, 2025.
Speaking in Jayapura on Friday (August 8, 2025), Tabuni emphasized the importance of a peaceful atmosphere to ensure the smooth running of democracy. “Everything must remain safe and orderly. There should be no clashes among us,” he stressed.
He urged residents not to be swayed by provocations or rumors that could spark unrest, reminding them that whoever emerges as the winner will be the governor for all Papuans. “Whoever is elected is our governor and deputy governor,” Tabuni affirmed.
Tabuni also appealed to the public to accept the election results with an open heart and avoid disturbances, especially in Jayapura, the provincial capital. He underlined the need to trust the official vote-counting process conducted step by step, from the PPD to regency/municipal election commissions and finally to the provincial election commission.
According to him, those attempting to incite unrest are irresponsible provocateurs. “We must remain united and live in peace, security, and harmony,” he concluded.
