Indonesian military probes shooting at festival in Highland Papua

Indonesian military authorities have launched an investigation into a shooting incident that took place near the 2026 Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Highland Papua on Saturday. The attack, which injured two civilians, occurred approximately 500 meters from the festival entrance as attendees arrived for the event. According to a statement issued by Cenderawasih Regional Military Command Spokesman Colonel Tri Purwanto, preliminary findings suggest the shooting was carried out by an armed faction affiliated with Kodap III Ndugama. The victims, identified as Laode Muhammad, 43, who sustained a gunshot wound to the knee, and Salbia, 50, who was shot in the right thigh, are currently receiving medical treatment at the Wamena Regional General Hospital. The attack appears to have been an attempt to disrupt the two-day festival, which was being held to stimulate the local economy and promote tourism. Colonel Purwanto stated that the military had recently intensified security measures in the region and imposed restrictions on the movement of the suspected armed group. These actions reportedly prompted the group to carry out the attack. The military condemned the violence against civilians and pledged to eliminate any threats to public safety. “We strongly condemn the shooting of civilians and will ensure this group has no room to disrupt public security,” he added. The shooting occurred around 12:50 p.m. local time, just before the festival commenced. Security forces were present at the site, though they did not intervene during the attack. The military’s heightened presence in the area has been part of broader efforts to curb separatist activities in the region. The Baliem Valley Cultural Festival, held annually, attracts both locals and tourists, drawing attention to the economic potential of the area. However, the region has long been marked by sporadic clashes between government forces and separatist groups, often resulting in casualties among civilians. This incident follows recent reports of similar attacks in the region. In related news, Indonesian troops have been pursuing members of the Organisasi Pembebasan Papua Merdeka (OPM), a separatist group, following an attack that resulted in the deaths of three civilians. Additionally, there were reports that Indonesian troops had recovered the final victim of a previous attack in Papua. These developments highlight the ongoing tensions in the region and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining stability. Local residents expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence, particularly during cultural events that aim to foster unity and economic growth. Some community leaders called for increased dialogue and support for local initiatives rather than militarization. Meanwhile, the military maintains its stance that security operations are necessary to protect public order and prevent further unrest. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the shooting and may take additional steps to enhance security ahead of future events. The military has not yet announced plans for a formal response to the attack, but officials emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians and preventing further disruptions. As the situation develops, the focus will remain on understanding the motivations behind such attacks and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to them.