Protesters torch government buildings in Central Papua over village funding cuts
In February, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa issued a regulation requiring 58 percent of village funds to be allocated to support President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship Red and White Cooperatives program.
In Central Papua, a mob protested against cuts to village funding, ultimately setting fire to government buildings. The unrest began in Puncak regency when village heads went to the Community and Village Empowerment office to express their dissatisfaction following the disbursement of funds. The protest escalated around 6:45 p.m. when protesters turned to arson, targeting 13 government facilities.
These included the regent and deputy regent's offices, the Puncak Regional Secretariat, the Social Affairs Agency, and the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Agency building. The Legislative Council building, Health Agency building, and a warehouse for the National Disaster Management Agency were also severely damaged. Puncak Police Chief Domingos Ximenes confirmed the violence occurred after the protest at the PMK office, where protesters were met by the regent.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
