Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s military is investigating a shooting near the 2026 Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Highland Papua on Saturday that injured two civilians, an army spokesman said.
Cenderawasih Regional Military Command Spokesman Colonel Tri Purwanto told ANTARA on Saturday evening that preliminary investigations indicated the attack was carried out by the Kodap III Ndugama’s armed faction.
“The shooting carried out by the armed group left two civilians injured. They are currently receiving medical treatment from paramedics at the Wamena Regional General Hospital,” Purwanto said.
He said the attack was likely an attempt to disrupt the two-day festival after the military tightened security and restricted the armed group’s movements in the area.
“We strongly condemn the shooting of civilians and will ensure this group has no room to disrupt public security,” he said.
The shooting occurred at about 12:50 p.m. local time, roughly 500 meters from the festival entrance, as the victims arrived to attend the event.
The victims were identified as Laode Muhammad, 43, who suffered a gunshot wound to the knee, and Salbia, 50, who was shot in the right thigh.
The cultural festival was held on August 7 and 8 to boost the local economy and promote tourism.
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Translator: Evarukdijati, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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