The ministry has coordinated with the Jayawijaya district administration following a shooting on the festival’s second day, Saturday (Aug. 8), that injured two civilians.
“Based on the latest update from the Jayawijaya district administration, the situation on the ground is now stable and safe,” the ministry said Monday.
Following the incident, festival events scheduled for the second day were temporarily halted to ensure public safety in the area.
Indonesian military and police personnel have continued monitoring the situation and strengthened security measures, the ministry said.
As a precaution, the Nusantara Cultural Carnival was moved to an area in front of the Jayawijaya district head’s office, far from the shooting site.
The ministry said cultural festivals should provide a space for communities, businesses and tourists to interact while celebrating Papua’s heritage in a peaceful environment.
It urged all parties to remain calm, exercise restraint, avoid provocation and refrain from spreading unverified information about the incident.
“Culture must remain a unifying bridge. The Baliem Valley Festival belongs to Papuans and is a source of national pride that we must protect as a peaceful, safe space,” the ministry said.
Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa said on Instagram that the festival’s opening had proceeded safely and festively.
The shooting occurred the following day as her entourage was returning from the event, she said.
Puspa said cultural festivals were important venues for people-to-people interaction and drivers of local economic activity that should be collectively protected.
“I am deeply saddened by the shooting near the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival. Our prayers are with the victims for a speedy recovery,” she said.
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Translator: Hreeloita Shanti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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