Jayapura, Jubi – The Wio Student Association (Ikatan Mahasiswa Pelajar Wio or IMPW) in Jayapura has rejected the plan to construct a Regional Police Headquarters (Mapolda) and other vertical government offices on customary land in Wouma–Wio, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province.

IMPW, which consists of students from Wamena City, Wesaput, and Wouma districts, issued the rejection through a written press statement received by Jubi on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

IMPW Chairperson Jefri Matuan said the Papua Pegunungan Provincial Government is planning to develop a vertical office complex on approximately 42 hectares of land in the Wouma–Wio area.

The site is intended for the construction of the regional police headquarters as well as several key state institutions, including the High Prosecutor’s Office, High Court, Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), and other government offices.

While acknowledging that the plan is part of efforts to strengthen governance and security systems, Matuan stressed that issues related to indigenous land rights (hak ulayat) have not been fairly resolved.

“The provincial government’s plan needs to be thoroughly reviewed, as it has the potential to create social tensions within the community,” he said.

IMPW noted that controversy surrounding government infrastructure development in the region has persisted since earlier plans to build the governor’s office. The issue remains particularly sensitive due to unresolved customary land rights.

The group also highlighted that the Wouma–Wio land remains a productive traditional agricultural area and serves as a primary source of livelihood for local communities.

“The land is not only used by local residents, but also by people from seven regencies across Papua Pegunungan who rely on it for farming and daily sustenance,” Matuan added.

IMPW Secretary Roky Itlay, questioned the long-term impacts of converting the land into a government office complex.

“If this productive land is repurposed, communities will lose both their living space and their main economic resource,” he said, emphasizing that Wouma is not vacant land but customary land inherited across generations by several sub-clans.

He also pointed out that the regional government has yet to facilitate an open, participatory, and fair mediation process between groups supporting and opposing the project.

“The government must take immediate steps to mediate all parties to prevent prolonged conflict,” Itlay said.

In its official stance, IMPW declared that Molama land in Wouma–Wio represents one of the last remaining community-managed agricultural areas, shared by residents and relatives from seven regencies in Papua Pegunungan.

The group urged the provincial government to act wisely in determining land use policies and called on the governor to actively mediate between opposing groups to reach a fair and mutually beneficial solution.

IMPW also called on the Papua Pegunungan Regional Legislative Council (DPR) to gather aspirations from all affected parties, and on the Papua Pegunungan People’s Assembly (MRP), particularly its customary representatives, to facilitate dialogue.

Reaffirming its position, IMPW stressed that it does not oppose development in principle, but strongly rejects the placement of government offices on Wouma–Wio land due to its vital role as a traditional agricultural resource.

The group concluded by urging the provincial government to adopt inclusive and community-centered policies that protect indigenous land rights and ensure sustainable livelihoods for future generations. (*)