Inp.polri.go.id - Wamena. Governor of Papua Mountains John Tabo filed an official defamation report with the Jayawijaya Sub-regional Police on Sunday, (17//5/2026), targeting viral voice notes on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups accusing him of aggravating the recent inter-tribal conflict in Wamena.

“I came here to report a voice note circulating since yesterday afternoon, where an actor accused me of worsening the situation and causing the tribal war conflict in Wamena,” he said at the police office, as cited by antaranews.com. 

Governor Tabo clarified that the underlying conflict actually originated from a 2024 traffic accident involving people from Kurima and Lanny Jaya, bearing no connection to his administration. He said that the report aims to provide legal education on digital accountability.

Papua Police Liaison Officer Senior Superintendent Andi Y. Enoch confirmed that investigators will fast-track the report. The Jayawijaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit has been directed to immediately take the Governor’s statement and track down the suspect behind the recording.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)