Mob Burns Seven Government Offices in Papua Over Fund Dispute

A mob set fire to seven government buildings in Puncak Regency, Papua Tengah, on Tuesday night, August 11, 2026. The destruction included the Regent's office and the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) office, among others. The violence is believed to stem from public anger over the distribution of village funds.

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Around 6:45 PM WIT, the protesting mob was dissatisfied and proceeded to burn the PMK office.

According to Puncak Police Chief AKBP Domingos De F. Ximenes, the incident began around 5:45 PM local time in the Ilaga district. The unrest escalated after a group of people arrived at the Community Empowerment Village (PMK) office following the initial distribution of the first phase of village funds for 2026. Puncak Regent Elvis Tabuni attempted to communicate with the dissatisfied group, but the situation deteriorated, leading to the burning of the PMK office around 6:45 PM.

The fires quickly spread to other government facilities. In total, seven offices were torched: PMK, Regent's office, DPRD, Civil Registration (Dukcapil), National Unity and Politics (Kesbangpol), Social Affairs, and Finance. A vehicle belonging to the Food Security Agency, parked at the Regent's office, was also destroyed.

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The most significant fires included the Community Empowerment Village (PMK) Office, the Regent's Office, the DPRD Office, the Civil Registration Office, the National Unity and Politics Office, the Social Affairs Office, and the Finance Office.

Security forces have since been deployed to maintain order. Personnel from the ODC 2026 Law Enforcement Task Force and the Ilaga Police Station are stationed at the town square, while the ODC Action Task Force is at the command post. The situation in Ilaga is reported to be under control.

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In addition to several government offices, one four-wheeled vehicle belonging to the Food Security Agency, parked in the Regent's office courtyard, was also burned.