The West Papua Armed Criminal Group Papua burned the house belonging to Pastor Loas Kogoya and resident Daniel Emba in Puncak District, Central Papua Province of Indonesia, on Saturday May 20, 2023

The parsonage which was built as a semi-permanent structure was burned to the ground.

Chief Information Department Regional Police Papua Regional Police Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo said the burning of the pastor’s house was carried out by members of the West Papua Armed Criminal Group in the afternoon, around 15.30 (GMT +7).

Residents noticed the burning action when they saw a plume of black smoke. Residents then reported the incident to Ilaga Police Station. “That there is black smoke. Then, reporting to the police at Ilaga Police Station,” said Benny.

Officers led from the Ilaga Police Station Ipda M Mara immediately moved to the scene of the incident. When they arrived at the location, the fire had devoured all parts of the house.

The officers could not do much because they did not have a light fire extinguisher. “An hour later, the fire was extinguished because there were no light fire extinguishers and fire trucks,” said Benny.

There were no casualties, but material losses were estimated at 300 million rupiah.

Meanwhile, West Papua Armed Criminal Group spokesperson Sebby Sambom, claimed that his party was the perpetrator responsible for burning the pastor’s house.