Jayapura, Papua — Aliko Walia, an 8-year-old boy who was shot during a military operation in Tenoti Village, Kembru District, Puncak Regency, on 14 April 2026, died at RSUD Mulia in Puncak Jaya Regency on Tuesday (19 May 2026).

Aliko Walia, who suffered a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest, died after undergoing medical treatment for 36 days at RSUD Mulia.

Kembru District Head Selpi Tabuni said Aliko Walia was shot during the incident alongside his mother, Wundilina Tabuni, 40, who died at the scene.

According to Selpi Tabuni, the bullet entered and exited through the right side of Aliko’s chest, leaving a wound “the size of a half-inch pipe.”

“At that time, Aliko ran in fear after his mother was shot and later met his father. He was then taken to RSUD Mulia for treatment,” Selpi Tabuni told Jubi by phone on Wednesday (20 May 2026).

She said hospital staff had worked to provide the best possible medical care during the 36 days Aliko was treated.

“But yesterday [Tuesday, 19 May 2026] at 12:07 p.m. Papua time, Aliko was declared to have breathed his last and died at Mulia Hospital,” she said.

Selpi Tabuni explained that after the hospital released the body to the family, relatives carried out a traditional cremation ceremony according to Lani customs at Kulogonggame in Mulia, Puncak Jaya Regency, at around 5:00 p.m. local time.

“Aliko was cremated according to Lani tradition at around 5:25 p.m. in Kulogonggame, Mulia. God had helped him survive long enough to receive treatment at the hospital. But how strong could a small child be in enduring the pain of a bullet piercing his chest,” she said.

She added that there had been plans to refer Aliko to a hospital in Nabire, but his condition deteriorated before the transfer could take place.

Meanwhile, RSUD Mulia Director Miftakhul Huda said Aliko had received intensive medical treatment at the hospital.

Medical procedures included the insertion of a chest tube on the right side due to fluid and air accumulation in the chest cavity. X-ray examinations showed that wounds on the right chest wall and back had been cleaned and stitched.

“After treatment and evaluation through thoracic X-rays, there were signs of clinical improvement and supporting examinations also showed progress. The patient continued receiving postoperative wound care in the ward,” Miftakhul Huda said in a written statement to Jubi.

He said the child had shown signs of recovery during treatment and was able to sit up and eat independently.

However, Aliko began experiencing breathing difficulties again two days before his death, likely caused by an infection in the wound on the right chest wall.

Further X-rays showed renewed accumulation of fluid and air in the right chest cavity. Doctors had planned to refer him to another hospital once his condition improved.

“However, the patient’s condition worsened, and the final examination showed the infection had become systemic,” Miftakhul Huda said.

“The patient was declared dead by the attending doctor on 19 May 2026 at 12:07 p.m. Papua time.” (*)