Following the shooting, the second day of the Baliem Valley Festival in Indonesia’s Papua Pegunungan Province was halted to ensure the situation and security remained under control.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism deeply regrets the shooting incident that occurred on Saturday, August 8, 2026, near the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival, causing two civilians injured.

The ministry expressed its empathy for the victims and their families and wished both individuals a speedy recovery, the Ministry's website reported on Monday (Aug. 8).

The 34th Baliem Valley Cultural Festival is taking place from August 7 to 10, 2026, in Walesi District, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province.

On the opening day of the annual festival, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa and her team were present at the venue, witnessing a series of events that proceeded safely, festively, and in an orderly manner.

The incident occurred on the second day of the festival. At the time of the occurrence, the deputy minister and her team were already in Jayapura (the capital of Papua Province), preparing to return to Jakarta (Indonesia’s capital city).

The deputy minister and her team are currently back in Jakarta and are safe and well. The Ministry of Tourism continues to coordinate with the Jayawijaya Regency Government to receive updates on the situation following the shooting.

Updates received by the ministry from the Jayawijaya Regency Government indicate that the situation on the ground is now stable and secure, as the military and the police personnel continue to monitor the area and maintain heightened security.

Following the shooting, the second day of the Baliem Valley Festival was halted to ensure the situation and security remained under control.

Currently, the final event of the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival—the Cultural Carnival of Indonesia'—is underway in the center of Wamena city, specifically in front of the Jayawijaya Regent's Office.

The carnival venue is located quite a distance from the site of shooting, and security has been stepped up for the duration of the event.

The Ministry of Tourism hopes that the authorities' handling of the situation proceeds smoothly, that conditions quickly return to normal, and that the public can go about their activities safely.

For the ministry, cultural festivals should serve as a space for connection and a meeting point for diverse backgrounds. It is a place where local residents, tourists, and various communities can get to know one another and celebrate the richness of Papuan culture in an atmosphere of peace.

The ministry respects the actions taken by the authorities and urges all parties to remain calm, exercise restraint, avoid provocation, and refrain from spreading unverified information.

Culture must continue to serve as a unifying bridge. The Baliem Valley Festival belongs to the people of Papua and is a source of pride for Indonesia; we must collectively safeguard it as a space defined by peace, safety, and brotherhood.

Reporting by Indonesia Window