Piousbox

A serious conflict between community groups in Wamena, Papua Pegunungan Province, Indonesia, in May 2026 left at least 13 people dead and 19 injured, and forced hundreds of residents to flee the danger zone.

According to Indonesian sources, the conflict involved the Lanny and Hubla (Kurima/Woma) groups and stemmed from a long-standing dispute over a customary settlement following a traffic accident that occurred in 2024.

The accident had resulted in the death of a member of the Lanny Jaya Local People's Representative Council (DPRD). The two sides subsequently agreed on a customary settlement worth approximately 2 billion rupiah (~3 billion VND) and 30 pigs. However, the Lanny side claimed that the compensation was not paid in accordance with the agreement, causing the conflict to continue to escalate.

On May 14–15, 2026, clashes erupted in Wamena and quickly spread to other areas. Participants used bows and arrows, as well as various sharp weapons, during the confrontations. Several residential homes and traditional honai houses were also set ablaze during the conflict.

The police initially reported two fatalities and 19 injuries. The death toll was later updated to 13, including three with serious injuries and 16 with minor injuries. Hundreds of residents were forced to seek shelter; a subsequent update reported that approximately 789 people had been evacuated.

After several tense days, the parties performed the traditional "patah panah" reconciliation ritual, in which a bow and arrow are broken as a symbol of the end of hostilities. By the end of May, the groups involved had returned to their respective localities and continued with the customary reconciliation rituals.