Checkpapuanow.com – An armed separatist group identified as the Ngalum Kupel faction reignited unrest in Papua by torching the State Junior High School (SMP Negeri) Kiwirok in Sopamikma Village, Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The incident marks another act of violence targeting public facilities in the conflict-prone region.
According to Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, Head of Operation Peace Cartenz, approximately sixteen unidentified individuals were involved in the arson attack. “Joint security forces immediately deployed to the scene after receiving reports, but the perpetrators had already fled toward Delpem Village,” Faizal said in an official statement on Wednesday.
He explained that units from Operation Peace Cartenz, the Yonif RK 753 Border Security Task Force, Prayuda Task Force (Mamta), BAIS Task Force, Rajawali Task Force, and local police were mobilized to secure the area. The coordinated response aimed to prevent further attacks, particularly against nearby elementary schools.
To ensure safety, joint forces have been stationed in Mangoldolki Village, located near the burned school. Authorities are intensifying patrols to prevent any potential follow-up attacks on the Kiwirok Elementary School.
“Attacking educational institutions is a despicable act that robs Papua’s children of their right to learn and dream,” Faizal stressed. “Such violence is not only a crime against the state but also a violation of humanity itself.”
Faizal reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to pursue the perpetrators and restore peace in the area. “We will continue to hunt down those responsible and ensure that Kiwirok remains secure for its residents,” he emphasized.
This is not the first time SMP Negeri Kiwirok has been targeted. In 2021, the same school was burned down by armed insurgents, forcing the relocation of teaching activities to SMP Negeri 1 Oksibil in the nearby city of Oksibil.
Deputy Chief of Operation Peace Cartenz, Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, urged residents to remain calm and avoid falling for provocations that could fuel further instability. “We ask the community to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious movements. Security personnel are always present to protect and ensure the safety of civilians,” he stated.
Authorities believe the attack reflects ongoing attempts by armed groups to instill fear and disrupt public order in Papua. Despite the repeated incidents, the government’s security task force continues to emphasize its dedication to maintaining stability, protecting civilians, and upholding the law throughout the region.
As investigations proceed, police and military units remain on high alert, coordinating efforts to prevent additional assaults and reassure local residents. The destruction of a school, seen as a cornerstone of community development, has drawn condemnation from officials and renewed calls for peace and education protection in Papua’s highlands.
