Yalimo – Papuan traditional leaders have urged the public not to be provoked by rumors and hoaxes spread by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) regarding the unrest in Yalimo Regency.
Elelim tribal chief Musa Yare believes the incident in Yalimo has caused significant losses, both materially and socially, and should not spread to other areas.
“The events that occurred in Yalimo Regency are deeply regrettable. As a traditional leader and tribal chief, I sincerely hope that the situation in Yalimo will soon improve and that peace and order can be restored,” said Musa.
Musa invited all elements of society to cooperate with the TNI, Polri, and local governments to maintain stability.
“Let us all exercise restraint and not be influenced by provocations or irresponsible rumors that will only worsen the situation,” he added.
Herman Doga, Head of the Jayawijaya Indigenous Peoples’ Institution (LMA), echoed this sentiment. He emphasized the importance of maintaining regional security to prevent external conflict.
“This area has been safe from the past until now. We must not allow others to influence our territory. We must protect this development to ensure its safety and prevent damage,” said Herman.
Herman also urged the community to maintain security in their homes, churches, and honai (houses). He believes that peace and unity are the primary foundations for Papua’s progress.
Meanwhile, the Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, emphasized that the news accusing officers of shooting dead students in Yalimo was fake news.
The hoax was deemed to have been deliberately circulated to trigger unrest and to pit the authorities against the public.
“Don’t be incited or provoked by hoaxes from the OPM. Let’s create a sense of security and peace in Papua,” he said in a written statement.
Candra added that the OPM deliberately spread false information as part of propaganda to inflame the situation.
“The news is not true, it is not true that TNI officers carried out the shooting and it is not true that they dropped troops into the Yalimo area,” he concluded.
