Pegunungan Bintang, Highland Papua — Violence has once again struck Papua’s highlands after an armed separatist group set fire to a junior high school in Kiwirok District on Tuesday morning (October 7, 2025).
Authorities reported that around 16 members of the Ngalum Kupel armed group torched the Kiwirok State Junior High School in Sopamikma Village at around 07:45 local time. Joint security personnel from Operation Damai Cartenz, the Border Security Task Force (Yonif RK 753), Prayuda Task Force, BAIS, Rajawali Task Force, and local police quickly deployed to the scene, but the attackers had already fled toward Delpem Village.
To prevent further attacks, forces reinforced security in nearby Mangoldolki Village, where the local elementary school was seen as a potential next target.
Brig. Gen. Faizal Ramadhani, Chief of Operation Damai Cartenz, strongly condemned the attack.
“Attacking schools is an assault on the future of Papua’s children. This is not only a crime against the state but also against humanity. We will continue to pursue the perpetrators and guarantee the safety of Kiwirok,” he said.
The same school was previously attacked in 2021, forcing teaching activities to be relocated to SMP Negeri 1 Oksibil in the regency capital.
Deputy Chief of Operation Damai Cartenz, Police Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, urged residents to remain calm and vigilant.
“Report any suspicious movements immediately. Security forces are always present to protect and ensure the safety of the community,” he stated.
Authorities say the arson underscores continued attempts by armed groups to instill fear among civilians. Security forces have pledged to maintain stability, protect residents, and uphold the rule of law in Papua.
