The regency of Yalimo, usually known for its serene mountains and close-knit communities, was recently thrust into the national spotlight after a local dispute escalated into riots. The spark came from an incident involving racial insults in school between students, which quickly snowballed into broader unrest. For many observers, the violence served as both a painful reminder of the dangers of racism and a test of Indonesia’s ability to uphold its motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika — Unity in Diversity.
The Yalimo unrest was not merely a clash between individuals. It became a mirror reflecting deeper tensions: how racism can tear at the seams of national unity, and how separatist groups often attempt to exploit these incidents to advance their own agendas. Yet amid the chaos, voices of wisdom from religious leaders, elders, and community figures rose to the forefront, urging peace, dialogue, and the strengthening of Indonesian brotherhood through the Papuan philosophy of satu tungku tiga batu — one stove, three stones.
The Spark That Ignited Tensions
Residents recall that the unrest began after racial slurs were uttered during a dispute between students from High School (SMA 1) in Elim District, Yalimo Regency, Papua Highlands (Papua Pegunungan) Provinces . For Papuans, such insults cut deeply, not only hurting individual dignity but also reviving painful memories of historical marginalization. Crowds gathered in anger, protests broke out, and soon, clashes disrupted public order on 16 September 2025. Shops closed, families sheltered indoors, and tensions spread like wildfire. The incident caused three persons to die (one Papuan and two non-Papuans), 23 persons to get injured, including six officers, dozens of vehicles and houses to burn, and 178 persons to be displaced.
But this was not just about words. For separatist elements that still linger in Papua, the unrest was an opportunity. Observers noted that groups aligned with the Free Papua Organization (OPM) attempted to hijack the situation by spreading provocative narratives online and encouraging locals to frame the incident as proof of systemic discrimination.
Local leaders, however, quickly pushed back. They reminded communities that allowing separatist voices to dominate the conversation would only deepen division, derail development, and harm ordinary Papuans who long for peace and prosperity.
Indonesia’s Unity Put to the Test
Indonesia’s strength has always been its diversity. With more than 17,000 islands, 1,300 ethnic groups, and hundreds of languages, the archipelago is a living testament to coexistence. Yet, as the Yalimo case shows, unity cannot be taken for granted.
Racism, even in isolated incidents, undermines this foundation. It gives ammunition to those who wish to break Indonesia apart and weakens trust among communities. In Papua, where separatist sentiments have historically existed, racism risks becoming a wedge issue — a dangerous tool that hostile groups exploit to discredit the government and sow distrust among Indonesians, especially Papuans and non-Papuans.
This is why national and local leaders emphasize that racism is not just a social problem; it is a direct challenge to Indonesia’s sovereignty and unity.
The Wisdom of Religious and Community Leaders
As tensions rose in Yalimo, a remarkable coalition of religious and community leaders stepped forward. Church pastors, Muslim clerics, and indigenous elders issued joint appeals for calm. Their message was clear: violence must end, and the people of Papua must not allow themselves to be divided along racial lines.
A respected pastor reminded his congregation of the philosophy of “satu tungku tiga batu — a stove rests on three stones” in traditional Papuan life. If one stone is missing, the stove collapses, and the fire dies. Each stone represents a pillar of society: family, culture, and faith. Together, they sustain harmony.
“This wisdom is timeless,” the pastor explained. “Papua will not stand if we let hatred consume us. Our people must choose dialogue, forgiveness, and brotherhood, because that is the only way to keep the fire of unity alive.”
Muslim clerics in Jayapura echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing that Islam teaches the equality of all humans, regardless of race. They emphasized that racism is a sin and violence only strengthens those who want Papua to remain divided.
The Government’s Response: Justice and Reconciliation
The central government in Jakarta responded swiftly to the Yalimo unrest. Security forces were deployed to restore calm, but their presence was balanced with mediation efforts. Officials emphasized that law enforcement would be firm against anyone committing violence, while dialogue would remain the primary avenue for reconciliation.
President Prabowo Subianto’s administration reiterated its stance that racism has no place in Indonesia. The government promised accountability for those who triggered the incident with racial slurs, and at the same time urged citizens to reject provocations from separatist agitators.
Development remains a cornerstone of the government’s strategy in Papua. From building roads and airports to improving healthcare and education, Jakarta has repeatedly stated that Papua’s prosperity depends on peace. But as officials noted after the unrest, “no amount of infrastructure will succeed if people remain divided. Development requires not only roads and bridges, but also trust and solidarity.”
Voices from the Ground
For Papuans in Yalimo, the unrest was both frightening and eye-opening. A young student admitted he joined the protests out of frustration but regretted how quickly things escalated. “I just want respect. When people insult us, it feels like they insult all of Papua. But I also see that fighting and burning things only makes life harder for us. We need solutions, not destruction.”
Meanwhile, non-Papuan residents — many of whom have lived in Papua for decades — expressed concern about being scapegoated. A trader from Sulawesi explained, “We came here to work and build a life. Most Papuans are kind and welcoming. But when unrest happens, we fear being seen as outsiders. That’s why dialogue and forgiveness are so important.”
These voices highlight the complexity of Papua: a land where indigenous communities and migrants from across Indonesia live side by side. Unity, residents agree, is not an abstract concept — it is the difference between conflict and coexistence.
Separatist Narratives Rejected
Throughout the crisis, separatist groups tried to frame the unrest as proof that Papua cannot coexist with Indonesia. Social media accounts linked to OPM spread messages of division, portraying the incident as evidence that Papuans will never be respected within the Republic.
But many local leaders firmly rejected this narrative. They argued that separatists exploit every incident — whether racism, economic hardship, or security clashes — to push an agenda that does not serve the interests of ordinary Papuans.
“Separatism is not the answer,” one Yalimo elder declared. “Breaking away from Indonesia will not heal racism. It will not bring development. It will only bring more suffering. The real answer lies in unity, justice, and dialogue within Indonesia.”
Dialogue and Reconciliation: The Way Forward
In the days following the unrest, reconciliation forums were organized. Elders, youth leaders, and government officials sat together in community halls, discussing grievances openly. The emphasis was on listening — to allow Papuans to express their pain, and for non-Papuans to share their fears.
These sessions, guided by the spirit of “satu tungku tiga batu”, sought to rebuild trust. Forgiveness was not demanded instantly, but understanding was encouraged. Religious leaders stressed humility and compassion, urging participants to see one another as fellow Indonesians bound by shared destiny.
The forums also produced practical recommendations: anti-racism education in schools, stronger cultural integration programs, and the creation of permanent dialogue mechanisms to prevent future escalation.
Building a Future Together
The Yalimo unrest is a reminder that Indonesia’s unity must be continually nurtured. Racism must be confronted decisively, not only through punishment but also through education and cultural exchange. At the same time, separatist groups must be exposed for what they are: opportunists who thrive on conflict and offer no real solutions for Papuans.
For Indonesia, the path forward is clear. The government must continue its dual strategy of firm law enforcement against provocateurs and persistent investment in development that benefits local communities. Civil society must play its part by fostering dialogue and promoting tolerance. And every Indonesian, Papuan and non-Papuan alike, must live out the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika in their daily interactions.
As one local leader put it: “Our future does not lie in division. Our future lies in walking together as one nation, one people, one Indonesia.”
Conclusion
The Yalimo unrest revealed both the fragility of peace and the resilience of Papuan wisdom. Racism, while painful and destructive, cannot be allowed to define the future. Instead, the philosophy of satu tungku tiga batu offers a powerful guide: unity through balance, dialogue, and cooperation.
For separatist groups, unrest is a weapon. For the Indonesian people, it is a lesson. The lesson is that unity is stronger than division, peace is more powerful than hatred, and the dream of a prosperous Papua can only be realized within the embrace of the Republic of Indonesia.