Papuan Traditional House Burned, Police: Allegedly Related To Missing Residents

Police officers from the Jayawijaya Police and Brimob are conducting security at the location of the burning of a number of honai in Wamena, Papua (ANTARA)

WAMENA Jayawijaya Resort Police (Polres), Papua Mountains Province, is investigating the burning of a number of honai (a typical Papuan traditional house) belonging to residents in the estuary area at the end of Wamena Airport, Ketimafit Wouma Village, Jayawijaya Regency.

Jayawijaya Deputy Chief of Police, Kompol I Wayan Laba, said that the incident was allegedly carried out by the Punika Wenda family, a resident who had been reported missing since July 20, 2025.

"The Punika Wenda family suspects that the location of the arson is the last place in question. This allegation sparked arson as a form of protest and pressure against the authorities to immediately reveal the whereabouts of Punika," Wayan said, Thursday, July 24, quoted from Antara.

Responding to the incident, the police together with patrol units and 30 Brimob personnel were immediately dispatched to the location to secure the area and record material losses.

"Due to the limited night conditions and lighting, the team decided to continue patrols around and will conduct a thorough crime scene (TKP) this morning," explained Wayan.

Even though there was tension, Wayan ensured that the situation around the location had returned to conducive.

"The situation in Wamena City is currently safe and under control. Residents have returned to their normal activities," he said.

The police appealed to all residents in the jurisdiction of the Jayawijaya Police to remain calm and not easily provoked by information that has not been confirmed.