Sentani, Jubi – On Friday (5/1/2024), the Jayapura Regency Administration and the Grimenawa Indigenous Council brought together stakeholders to resolve a social conflict occurring in Karya Bumi Village, Namblong District. During the mediation held in Kwansu Village, Zadrak Wamebu, the Chairman of the Grimenawa Indigenous Council, urged the displaced residents of Karya Bumi to return to their respective homes.
Hundreds of residents of Karya Bumi Village fled following a conflict triggered by the death of Daud Bano, a resident of Kwansu Village, who was fatally attacked by an Indonesian Military (TNI) soldier in Karya Bumi on January 1, 2024. The incident incited mass unrest in Karya Bumi Village, a transmigration settlement established in the Besum area of Namblong District in 1976. At least 958 out of 1,329 Karya Bumi villagers sought refuge in three villages in Nimbokrang District.
The meeting on Friday was attended by Daud Bano’s family and several residents of Kwansu and Karya Bumi. The Acting Regent of Jayapura, along with the Jayapura Regional Secretary, Head of the Jayapura Communication and Information Office, Jayapura Police Chief, 1701 Jayapura Military District Commander, and Papua Police Spokersperson were also present. Additionally, the Heads of Nimbokrang, Namblong, Demta, and Kemtuk Districts, along with a member of the Jayapura Regency People Council, attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Zadrak Wamebu emphasized that the residents of Karya Bumi Village were part of the Grimenawa indigenous community accepted by Grimenawa traditional leaders. He stated that those who fled from Karya Bumi were victims of the unprofessional actions of the military resulting in loss of life.
Wamebu urged the residents of Karya Bumi to return home to resolve the social conflict through a peace process. He mentioned that the peace process would take place at Daud Bano’s burial site in Karya Bumi Village. He highlighted it as a reminder to prevent similar occurrences and as a lesson for future generations in the Grimenawa indigenous area.
“During the peace ceremony, a customary oath binding all tribes living on Grimenawa customary land will be conducted,” he stated.
Spokesperson for Daud Bano’s family, Seblon Dwaa, expressed apologies on behalf of the family and residents of Kwansu Village for the events of January 1, 2024. Dwaa mentioned that they had submitted aspirations and demands to the Grimenawa Indigenous Council.
“Today, we ask for an end to any further hostility. On behalf of the family, we would like to apologize to those affected by the incident,” he said.
Dwaa invited the displaced residents of Karya Bumi Village who were still in Nimbokrang District to return home, ensuring their safety. On the other hand, he acknowledged the profound trauma experienced by the community as well.
Lawmaker Rasino of the Jayapura Regency People Council also acknowledged the immense trauma faced by Karya Bumi Village residents. He affirmed the commitment to work with the Grimenawa Indigenous Council to assess the conditions of those displaced in Nimbokrang District. Rasino emphasized the importance of providing support to enable these residents to return home.
Acting Regent of Jayapura Regency Triwarno Purnomo expressed his commitment to address the demands of Daud Bano’s family and the Grimenawa indigenous community.
“We will accept the grieving family’s aspirations through the Grimenawa Indigenous Council. It is our sincere hope that all parties continue coordinating efforts for a positive and peaceful resolution,” he remarked.
Triwarno hoped that all parties would work together to restore a peaceful situation in Jayapura Regency, emphasizing the importance of maintaining coexistence.
“Let us create a peaceful situation in this land. Let us safeguard our way of life together,” he concluded. (*)
