2 Civilians Shot While Delivering Food to Baliem Valley Festival

Two civilians were shot and injured while delivering food supplies to the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Walesi Village, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Pegunungan, Indonesia, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The victims, identified by the initials LMO, 43, and S, 50, were inside a Mitsubishi Triton vehicle when the attack occurred around 12:45 PM Western Indonesian Time.

According to the Head of Public Relations Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, the shots came from the side of the vehicle, causing injuries to both individuals. Joint TNI and Polri personnel evacuated the victims to Wamena Regional General Hospital for treatment. Both victims were conscious and receiving medical care.

An on-site investigation by the police revealed three bullet impacts on the victims' vehicle: two on the driver's door and one on the hood. Additionally, investigators recovered four bullet fragments from the vehicle and eight 5.56 millimeter shell casings from the vicinity of the incident. Police are currently investigating the involvement of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) led by Egianus Kogoya, although this remains a suspicion pending further investigation.

Sebby Sambom, a spokesperson for the TPNPB-OPM, has claimed responsibility for the shooting, stating that the festival was part of Indonesian Independence Day celebrations and therefore should be dispersed. Police are meticulously analyzing the evidence gathered, including witness and victim statements, to identify those responsible and their roles in the attack. Operation Damai Cartenz-2026 emphasized that the legal proceedings will be conducted professionally, proportionately, and with a focus on public safety.