Christmas night in Papua is usually marked by prayer, family gatherings, and a rare sense of calm in a region that often lives with uncertainty. In Dekai District, the capital of Yahukimo Regency in Papua Highlands, residents were preparing to close a day of worship and celebration on December 25 when violence struck without warning. Instead of hymns and quiet conversations, the night ended with screams, blood, and grief.
Two civilians were attacked by unknown assailants using sharp weapons. One man died at the scene. Another survived but suffered serious injuries. The incident shocked local residents and sent a wave of fear across the district, turning what should have been a sacred night into one of mourning. For many families in Dekai, Christmas 2025 will be remembered not for joy, but for loss.
Authorities later indicated that the attack was strongly suspected to be linked to armed groups associated with the separatist movement commonly referred to as the OPM. While investigations continue, the tragedy has once again highlighted the vulnerability of civilians in Papua and renewed calls for stronger security and lasting peace.
What Happened in Dekai
The first attack occurred on December 25 at 8:45 PM in a residential area on Sosial Matoa Street, Dekai District. Ramli (51 years old), a civilian, was found lying on the roadside with severe wounds to his neck, hands, and body. Witnesses reported that he had been approached by several men before being assaulted with machetes. By the time help arrived, his injuries were fatal.
Only hours later, on December 26, 09.00 AM, Ardi (45 years old), another civilian, was attacked on Papua Street, Dekai District. The second victim, a man working near a motorcycle repair area, was struck from behind and sustained deep cuts to his neck and arm. He was rushed to the local hospital and remains under medical care.
The similarity in the method and timing of the attacks led security forces to believe they were connected. Both victims were civilians with no known involvement in security operations or political activities. Their only commonality was that they were ordinary people living their daily lives in Dekai.
Fear and Shock Among Residents
News of the attacks spread quickly across Dekai and neighboring communities. Many residents described a deep sense of fear and disbelief, particularly because the violence occurred during Christmas, a time traditionally associated with peace and reflection.
Families who had gathered for evening prayers chose to stay indoors the following day. Shops closed earlier than usual. Streets that are normally active during the holiday season became noticeably quieter. Parents worried about allowing their children to leave the house, and community leaders urged residents to remain calm while staying alert.
For many locals, the attack reopened old wounds. Yahukimo has experienced repeated incidents of violence over the years, and each new case reinforces a sense of insecurity. The fact that civilians were targeted intensified public anxiety and raised urgent questions about safety in daily life.
A Long History of Conflict in the Papua Highlands
The violence in Dekai cannot be separated from the broader context of Papua’s long-standing conflict. For decades, armed groups linked to the separatist movement have carried out attacks against security forces and, at times, civilians. These acts are often driven by political grievances, but the victims are frequently ordinary people with no role in the conflict.
Yahukimo Regency, with its rugged terrain and remote villages, has been particularly vulnerable. Limited infrastructure, difficult access, and the presence of armed groups have made security operations challenging. Civilians often find themselves caught between fear of violence and the need to continue daily activities for survival.
Over time, these conditions have created a cycle of trauma. Each new incident deepens mistrust, disrupts development efforts, and leaves families struggling to rebuild their lives. The Christmas night attack is part of this painful pattern, yet its timing has made it especially distressing.
The Human Cost Behind the Headlines
Behind official statements and security briefings lie human stories that rarely receive enough attention. The man who lost his life was a husband, a father, and a neighbor. His death has left his family grieving during what should have been a season of togetherness. Relatives described him as a quiet and hardworking individual who never imagined becoming a victim of violence.
The injured survivor now faces physical recovery and emotional trauma. Beyond medical treatment, he must cope with fear, uncertainty, and the memory of the attack. For many survivors of violence in Papua, the psychological scars can last far longer than physical wounds.
These personal tragedies extend beyond individual families. Communities grieve together. Churches hold prayers not only for the victims but also for peace. The shared sense of loss strengthens communal bonds, but it also highlights the heavy burden civilians carry in conflict-affected areas.
Security Response and the Role of Satgas Damai Cartenz
In response to the attack, joint security forces intensified patrols across Dekai and surrounding areas. The Satgas Damai Cartenz task force, which was established to restore security and stability in Papua, deployed additional personnel and increased monitoring in locations considered vulnerable.
Authorities stated that their immediate priority was to prevent further violence and reassure the public. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible. Security officials have also engaged with community leaders to gather information and encourage cooperation.
For many residents, Satgas Damai Cartenz represents hope. While there is recognition that security operations alone cannot resolve deep-rooted issues, people believe a visible and consistent presence can reduce fear and deter attacks. Communities are asking not only for quick action but also for sustained protection.
Public Expectations and Calls for Peace
Following the attack, local leaders, religious figures, and civil society representatives voiced strong appeals for peace. Churches emphasized forgiveness and unity while also demanding justice for the victims. Community elders urged residents not to respond with violence or suspicion toward one another.
At the same time, there is a clear expectation that the state must fulfill its responsibility to protect civilians. People want to feel safe when walking home at night, working in shops, or attending religious services. These are basic expectations that remain unmet for many Papuans.
Public calls have focused on a balanced approach that combines firm security measures with dialogue, social programs, and economic opportunities. Residents believe that peace will only be sustainable if underlying grievances are addressed alongside law enforcement.
The Impact on Daily Life and Development
Incidents like the Christmas night attack have far-reaching consequences. Fear disrupts education, commerce, and health services. Teachers hesitate to travel. Traders limit operating hours. Medical outreach becomes more difficult.
Development projects also suffer. Investors are cautious. Government programs face delays. Over time, insecurity deepens inequality and reinforces a sense of isolation. For the Papua Highlands, where development gaps already exist, violence becomes an additional barrier to progress.
Residents in Yahukimo worry that repeated incidents will define how the region is viewed by the rest of Indonesia. They fear being remembered only for conflict, rather than for their culture, resilience, and potential.
A Shared Desire for a Different Future
Despite fear and grief, many Papuans continue to believe in the possibility of peace. Community discussions following the attack have emphasized the importance of protecting civilians regardless of political views or ethnic background.
Young people in particular have expressed frustration at inheriting a cycle of violence they did not choose. Many hope for a future where education, opportunity, and dialogue replace fear and conflict. Their voices reflect a broader desire for normalcy and dignity.
The Christmas tragedy has strengthened calls for collective responsibility. Peace, many argue, cannot be imposed by force alone. It must be built through trust, justice, and genuine engagement with local communities.
Conclusion
The attack on civilians in Dekai on Christmas night is a painful reminder of the fragile security situation in Papua. One life was lost. Another was forever changed. Families and communities are left to mourn during what should have been a time of joy.
Yet this tragedy has also become a moment of reflection. It has prompted renewed calls for protection, accountability, and peace. The people of Yahukimo are not asking for privilege, only for safety and the chance to live without fear.
As security forces continue their work, the broader challenge remains. Ending violence in Papua will require patience, empathy, and sustained commitment from all sides. Only by placing civilian lives at the center of policy and action can lasting peace become a reality.
For the people of Dekai, the hope is simple. That next Christmas will be marked by prayer instead of panic, by songs instead of sirens, and by life rather than loss.