Tolikara Riot Leaves One Dead, Police Dispute Cause of Death

A tense situation unfolded in the remote Mairini Village, Bokondini District, within Papua Pegunungan's Tolikara Regency, culminating in a tragic incident that claimed the life of one resident. The Indonesian National Police, represented by the Tolikara Resort Police Chief, Komisaris Roberth Hitipeuw, have provided an account of the events that transpired on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. According to Hitipeuw, police personnel attempted to intervene in a violent clash involving stone-throwing villagers.

“

Our personnel fired warning shots into the air.

In an effort to disperse the escalating conflict, police fired warning shots into the air. However, this action reportedly provoked an attack on the officers, who were few in number. The confrontation resulted in injuries to several police officers and the theft of a revolver. Reinforcements were dispatched, and crucially, local religious, customary, and community leaders were engaged to facilitate mediation.

“

Our personnel also suffered injuries, with details of 4 personnel with minor injuries due to stone throwing, and 1 personnel with serious injuries due to stabbing with a sharp object.

Tempo's reporting highlights a conflicting narrative presented by the Indonesian Evangelical Church Council, which alleges that the civilian, identified as Elky Wunungga, was killed by police gunfire during a forceful dispersal. This account contrasts sharply with the police's statement that the victim succumbed to a sharp object. The police maintain that the situation has since been stabilized through mediation and the recovered firearm. The incident underscores the complex security challenges and the differing perspectives that often emerge in reporting from Papua.

“

There was no persuasive effort, they came and shot directly, and a victim fell.