Papua unrest: 11 government buildings burned in Puncak

Mass protests in Puncak Regency, Central Papua, have resulted in the burning of 11 government buildings. The unrest, which occurred around the Indonesian Independence Day period, was triggered by dissatisfaction regarding the distribution of village funds.

Protesters targeted several facilities, including the Regent's office, the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), the Civil Registry Office (Dukcapil), the National Unity and Politics Office (Kesbangpol), the Social Affairs Office, and the Finance Office. A vehicle belonging to the Food Security Office was also destroyed.

Papuan youth leader Natan Kuwan stated that the central government's decision to reduce village funds for the sake of efficiency is a primary driver of the unrest. He argued that Papua requires acceleration of development rather than efficiency measures, noting that the region still faces significant social, economic, and educational challenges, alongside ongoing conflicts. Kuwan emphasized that for the 'Indonesia Emas 2045' vision to be successful, the government must implement a framework that prioritizes accelerating growth in Papua.