BALINEWSID.COM, WAMENA — At least 29 people were killed in security incidents attributed to armed criminal groups in Indonesia’s Papua Highlands province between January and September 2026, according to Papua Police Chief Insp. Gen. Patrige Renwarin.

Of the 29 fatalities, 25 were civilians, while two were Indonesian military personnel and two were police officers, Renwarin said.

He disclosed the figures during a security and public order coordination meeting with the Papua Highlands provincial government in Wamena on Wednesday (Sept. 23, 2026).

Renwarin said 76 incidents attributed to armed criminal groups were recorded during the same period. The incidents included shootings, arson, armed clashes, assaults, road blockades, hostage-taking, threats and the seizure of firearms.

The Papua Police also recorded 642 security disturbances in the province between January and September, according to an evaluation presented by Renwarin.

“Security issues cannot be handled by law enforcement alone. Collaboration among the police, military, regional governments, customary leaders, religious leaders and community leaders is needed to create a safe and conducive situation,” Renwarin said.

The Papua Police and the Damai Cartenz-2026 Task Force are continuing law enforcement operations in response to security disturbances while also pursuing a community-based approach through the Binmas Noken program, he said.

Security measures and patrols will also be strengthened along several routes considered vulnerable to security incidents, including Wamena–Tolikara, Wamena–Yalimo, Wamena–Lanny Jaya and Wamena–Nduga.

Authorities also plan to expand community engagement through the Binmas Noken program, including youth development and healthcare services.

Renwarin said the Papua Police and the Papua Highlands provincial government would strengthen coordination to improve public protection, maintain security and ensure the continuity of public services.

Papua Highlands Governor John Tabo said law enforcement agencies had handled criminal cases in accordance with established procedures and standard operating procedures.

He called for stronger coordination between security forces and the regional government so that security problems could be addressed more quickly.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the current security situation because many people have already lost their lives, not only security personnel but also unarmed civilians,” John said.

The coordination meeting was attended by the heads of the eight regencies in Papua Highlands: Jayawijaya, Central Mamberamo, Lanny Jaya, Tolikara, Yalimo, Bintang Mountains, Nduga and Yahukimo.