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Jayawijaya cultural festival shooting injures two civilians
Two civilians were injured in a shooting during the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in the Jayawijaya Regency of Highland Papua on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The victims, identified as 43-year-old Laode Muhammad and 50-year-old Salbiah, were traveling in a Mitsubishi Triton delivering supplies to the festival site when they were targeted.
Authorities reported that the vehicle sustained multiple bullet holes in the driver's door and the hood. Police recovered eight 5.56mm shell casings and several projectile fragments at the scene. Both victims were evacuated to the Wamena Regional General Hospital; they were reported to be conscious and receiving medical treatment.
Indonesian military and police officials suspect the attack was carried out by the Kodap III Ndugama armed faction, a component of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM). Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting may have been an attempt to disrupt the festival following increased military security presence in the region. Joint TNI-Polri forces are currently conducting investigations and pursuing the perpetrators.
Entities
Baliem Valley Cultural Festival · Baliem Valley Cultural Festival · Indonesian National Armed Forces · Indonesian National Police · Jayawijaya · Jayawijaya Regency · Kodap III Ndugama · OPM Kodap III/Ndugama · Polri · TNI
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The victims were in a Mitsubishi Triton vehicle delivering supplies to the festival. en.tempo.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] The victims were identified as Laode Muhammad (43) and Salbiah (50). www.ule.co.id · en.antaranews.com · en.tempo.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] The shooting occurred around 12:45–12:50 PM local time on Saturday, August 8, 2026. www.ule.co.id · en.antaranews.com · en.tempo.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Police recovered eight 5.56mm shell casings from the scene. en.tempo.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] Two civilians were injured in a shooting near the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Jayawijaya, Papua. www.ule.co.id · en.antaranews.com · en.tempo.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] Investigators suspect the Kodap III Ndugama armed faction was responsible. www.ule.co.id · en.antaranews.com · en.tempo.co