Children and the Papuan community are once again feeling sadness and disappointment due to the damage to educational facilities in Sopamikma Village, Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Highland Papua. The Commander of Satgas Damai Cartenz, Brigadier General of Police Faizal Rahmadani, reported that the school building in the village was set on fire again on Monday morning (October 13) by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel.
Previously, on Tuesday (October 7), the KKB had also burned the SMP Kiwirok building, which has not been used for teaching and learning activities since 2021. As a result of these incidents, students are currently attending SMP Oksibil, located in the capital of Pegunungan Bintang Regency.
When the joint TNI-Polri team approached the scene, there was an exchange of gunfire that forced KKB members to flee toward Kotobib Village. After the situation was secured, the team visited displaced residents at the Polobakon Village Hall to ensure their safety and provide protection.
Brigadier General Faizal emphasized that TNI-Polri will continue to take preventive measures and law enforcement actions against the KKB, as well as tighten access routes in and out of the district to prevent further incidents and safeguard the community and public facilities.
