Wamena Tragedy, Wempi Wetipo: The War Banning Law of the Tribes Must Be Passed Immediately!

JAKARTA - The bloody conflict involving the Hubla Tribe and the Lanny Tribe in Jayawijaya Regency is a loud alarm for the future of the earth of Papua. Member of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development of Papua, John Wempi Wetipo, expressed deep concern over the Wamena tragedy and urged concrete legal steps.

Based on the latest data, the clashes that occurred on May 15-17, 2026, have claimed a significant number of casualties, and forced hundreds of residents to leave their homes.

"I was born and raised in Jayawijaya. Seeing Wamena mourn again is a deep wound. Those who died are not numbers, they are our brothers," said Wempi emotionally.

Impact of Victims of Ethnic Clash in Jayawijaya (May 2026)

The following are details of the social impact due to the conflict in Jayawijaya Regency:

Impact Category

Number of

Victim Died

47 people

Victim of Wounds

Dozens of people

Residents Evacuated

839 people

Legal Regulation: Raperdasus Prohibition of Tribal War and Customary Fines

As a former Regent of Jayawijaya for two periods, Wempi emphasized that the resolution of this conflict can no longer be left entirely to traditional mechanisms. He fully supports the steps of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) which encourages the Papua Mountain People's Assembly (MRP) to accelerate the new regulation.

Wempi urged that the Raperdasus (Special Regional Regulation Draft) on the prohibition of tribal warfare and customary fines be immediately completed and passed.

"Our customary law is respected, but it can no longer be the only support. The Raperdasus prohibition of tribal warfare and customary fines must be resolved immediately, it must not wait for there to be more victims," he said.

Relationship between Security Stability and Papua Regional Budget 2026

Furthermore, Wempi reminded that the conflict that continues to recur will be a major stumbling block for development. Social stability and regional security are absolute conditions so that regional budgets can be absorbed optimally.

Without peace, the Papua Regional Development Fund 2026 which reaches Rp. 12.69 trillion will never be able to provide a real impact on the welfare of the Papuan people.

Through this dark momentum, it is hoped that all policy makers will move quickly so that the humanitarian tragedy in Wamena will never be repeated in the future.