Seven Government Offices Burned in Papua Amidst Village Fund Dispute

A mob set fire to seven government offices in Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Tuesday evening, August 11, 2026. The incident occurred in the Ilaga district around 6:45 PM WIT and is suspected to be linked to dissatisfaction over the first phase of village fund distribution in 2026.

The targeted offices included the Community Empowerment Office (PMK), the Regent's Office, the DPRD Office, the Dukcapil Office, the Kesbangpol Office, the Social Services Office, and the Finance Office. Additionally, one four-wheeled vehicle belonging to the Food Security Agency, parked at the Regent's Office, was also burned.

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Around 6:45 PM WIT, the protesting mob was dissatisfied and carried out the burning of the PMK Office.

According to Puncak Police Chief AKBP Domingos De F. Ximenes, a group of people arrived at the PMK office around 5:40 PM WIT, shortly after the village funds were disbursed. The Regent of Puncak, Elvis Tabuni, attempted to communicate with the group, but the situation escalated, leading to the burning of the PMK office.

Security forces, including personnel from the Task Force for Law Enforcement of Operation Peaceful Cartenz (ODC) 2026 and local police, were deployed to the scene. Approximately 40 personnel, led by the Head of the Sabhara Unit, along with community leaders, engaged with the crowd to urge them to disperse and prevent further escalation. The police reported that the mob has gradually left the location, and the security situation is returning to normal.

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Currently, the mob is gradually leaving the location and the security situation is gradually becoming conducive.