WAMENA, INDONESIA – Violent clashes erupted in Wamena, a town in Papua Highlands Province, Indonesia, on Saturday (March 16, 2025), leaving at least 38 people injured, including six police officers. The unrest occurred during a celebratory event marking the inauguration of the Jayawijaya Regent and Deputy Regent, escalating into chaos as crowds turned violent.
According to local authorities, the violence broke out when a group of individuals, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, entered the traditional stone-grilled feast venue and began throwing stones and wooden objects toward the main stage. The provocation quickly led to retaliatory attacks, turning the situation into a large-scale clash between rival factions.
Police officers from the Jayawijaya District Police and Mobile Brigade (Brimob), led by Police Chief AKBP Heri Wibowo, were deployed to de-escalate the situation. However, the security forces faced fierce resistance from the rioters, and the violence spread rapidly. Amid the chaos, several vehicles, including police patrol cars, were torched and vandalized.
To regain control, security forces fired warning shots and deployed tear gas to disperse the rioters. Additional troops from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) were mobilized to secure strategic locations and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
By Sunday morning (March 17, 2025), authorities reported that the situation in Wamena had largely stabilized. However, police and military personnel remained on high alert in key areas to prevent possible retaliatory attacks and restore public order. Investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause of the clashes and identify those responsible for the violence.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Indonesia’s Papua region, where social tensions and sporadic violence continue to pose risks to stability. Local officials urge calm and cooperation from residents to avoid further unrest.