PAPUA, INDONESIA In the remote mountainous areas of Indonesian Papua, armed clashes between local communities still occur. Traditional weapons primarily include bows and arrows, spears, and other bladed weapons, although firearms are also used in some cases.
The exact number of these conflicts per year is unknown. Authorities record a broader category of armed violence that also includes separatist fighting and political clashes. The main causes of tribal conflicts are revenge for previous violence, family disputes, land, traditional compensation, and election-related conflicts. Disputes often escalate when relatives or allied groups become involved.
