Two villages in Jayawijaya agreed to end the traditional war

West Papua traditional War

Wamena (ANTARA) – The people of Meagama Village, Hubikosy District and Wukahilapok Village, Pelebaga District, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua have agreed to stop traditional wars which resulted in eight people being injured and a number of traditional houses burned down.

Jayawijaya Police Chief AKBP Dominggus Rumaropen in Wamena, Sunday, said that the mediation of representatives of the two village figures had been carried out.

“There is already a peace agreement or to lay down arrows and not go to war,” he said.

Dominggus said that the customary fines related to murder between the two parties would be customary in the traditional house (honai).

“Customary fines and so on will be brought to the honai then they will talk (finish),” he said.

The police chief keeps the legal process from the police running, against the killing of different people from each village, which could result in war.

“While it is in the process of investigation and is likely to be investigated,” he said.

From the mediation between the two parties, the Wukahilapok community from the Pelebaga District admitted that they thought and were ready to pay their customary fine.

“Because they attacked and killed Ismail Elopere based on suspicion. Based on custom, finally Ismail had an impact. As a result of Ismail’s death, they attacked and killed Yairus again. But from the first party (Pelebaga) who refused,” he said.

The police chief stated that there was a need for more communication with the public so that suspicious patterns that led to beliefs could be changed and West Papua traditional war could be ended.

A former Dutch colony, West Papua was formally incorporated into Indonesia in 1969, after an undisputed vote of about 1,025 representative tribal leaders. The result of the plebiscite was overseen and endorsed by the United Nations.