Papuan Student Protest in Jayapura Turns Violent as Police Deploy Tear Gas

JAYAPURA, LELEMUKU.COM – A demonstration organized by the Papuan Student Solidarity group (SOMAP) in Jayapura City, Papua Province, Indonesia, turned violent on Monday (27/4/2026) after police intercepted protesters in the Waena area, triggering clashes that ended with a forced dispersal using tear gas.

The rally, held under the theme "Papua Military Emergency and Humanitarian Crisis," was originally planned to converge at the Abepura Circle. Before demonstrators could reach the site, however, security forces comprising police and Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel blocked the crowd at a point in front of the Zipur compound in Waena, Heram District. Protesters had gathered from multiple staging points, including Perumnas III, Expo, and the Tolikara Dormitory.

When negotiations between demonstrators and officers broke down, pushing and shoving between both sides escalated into open clashes. Security forces fired tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd, and protesters responded by hurling stones.

Amid the tear gas, demonstrators scattered in multiple directions, with groups fleeing toward Perumnas I, Perumnas III, and the Expo Waena area before the crowd fully dispersed.

The incident triggered severe traffic congestion along the Sentani-Abepura road corridor due to roadblocks and traffic diversions imposed by authorities. Several shopping centers and offices in Abepura reportedly closed early as a precautionary measure against further unrest.

In response to the situation, the Jayapura City Government suspended all in-person school activities for the day. Mayor Abisai Rollo instructed schools to shift to online learning to ensure the safety of students and prevent them from being caught up in the unrest.

Prior to the demonstration, city authorities had urged residents to remain calm and not be easily provoked. The mayor had also called on protesters to express their grievances in an orderly and peaceful manner and to refrain from damaging public property.

As of press time, the situation at the scene remains under the control of a joint security force comprising Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri) personnel. No official statement has been issued regarding casualties, property damage, or potential legal proceedings following the dispersal. (Joe)