Mimika health workers suffer trauma after Jila District shooting

Healthcare workers in the Jila District of Mimika Regency, Central Papua, are suffering from trauma following a shooting incident that occurred in the area. The medical staff were previously evacuated from the district via Indonesian Air Force helicopters on August 18, 2026.

Godfried Maturbongs, Head of the Mimika Health Office, stated that health services in Jila have been temporarily suspended to ensure the safety and security of personnel. While some workers have expressed a desire to return, many remain traumatized by the violence. One staff member has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist with severe trauma, exhibiting reflexive panic responses to loud noises, and has been medically advised against returning to the duty station.

Maturbongs noted that he is coordinating with the Regent and Vice Regent of Mimika to address the situation, emphasizing that while providing healthcare is a priority, the security and safety of the workers must be guaranteed before services can resume.