Riot Breaks Out in Highland Papua, Injures 8 and Damages Homes

September 17, 2025 | 03:23 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A riot broke out in Elelim, Yalimo Regency, Highland Papua, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, causing injuries to eight people. "The eight injured people consisted of five TNI-Polri members and three civilians," said the Head of Public Relations of the Papua Regional Police, Grand Commissioner Cahyo Sukarnito, on late Tuesday, as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In addition to the injuries, the riot also caused material damage. Approximately 30 stalls and homes reportedly burned down, 13 motorcycles were set ablaze, and one Yalimo Police car was severely damaged. Furthermore, six dormitory units and one Yalimo Police quarter were also targeted in the arson.

According to Cahyo, the riot started from a conflict between students at the Elelim Public High School (SMAN). A student identified as AB was suspected of making offensive remarks against a classmate, which then triggered an assault on AB by several students. "The remark triggered a reaction from several students, who then beat up AB," he said.

Mediation efforts in the teachers' room failed to ease the tension. The commotion then escalated, involving other students and emotionally provoked residents. They not only assaulted AB, but also attacked teachers who tried to intervene.

The mob then set fire to stalls suspected to belong to AB's parents, and the fire spread to the police quarters, the Yalimo Police dormitory, and other nearby buildings. "Security forces are currently on alert to anticipate further actions," said Cahyo.

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