“Victims, especially children, are improving, including eight-year-old Atifah, who remains in ICU after surgery,” said Inspector General Patrige Renwarin in Jayapura.
Ten victims of the Elelim unrest were evacuated to Bhayangkara Hospital, with six already discharged. Four remain under care, and authorities hope they will recover soon and reunite with their families.
“Bhayangkara Hospital is doing its best to ensure the victims return to full health,” Renwarin said.
The Papua Police’s Human Resources Bureau has also provided trauma counseling to victims before their release from the hospital.
The riot broke out in Elelim, capital of Yalimo district, on Sept. 16 following a dispute among students. The conflict escalated into attacks and arson, damaging buildings and vehicles.
Jayapura’s Bhayangkara Hospital Chief, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Dr. Rommy Sebastian, said the conditions of eight riot victims, including an infant and two children wounded by sharp objects, continue to improve.
“Patients arrived in waves. The last, two injured children, came in on Wednesday night,” Rommy said.
The two children, identified as Daffa and Atifah, were reportedly attacked near Benawa, Yalimo, and evacuated by land.
The eight confirmed victims include Eisrahmawati (23), Tasya (22), Yanti (50), Ema (33), Efelin (7 months), Atifah Muthasaddika (8), Rudi Saranga (36), and Arsyaka Daffa Abdori (9).
“We’re closely monitoring their recovery,” said Rommy.
From Jakarta, Army Spokesman Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana said the situation in Yalimo has stabilized after the initial student dispute.
“The issue started small but escalated due to poor communication. It’s under control now,” he said at the 2025 TNI Fair in Jakarta.
He confirmed injured army personnel are recovering and stressed that military support remains within legal bounds, only assisting when requested by local authorities.
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Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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