Explosion Rocks Catholic Church in Papua, 4 Worshippers Injured

INTAN JAYA, Indonesia — A suspected bomb exploded in the courtyard of a Catholic church in Indonesia’s restive Papua region on Sunday, injuring four worshippers and reigniting fears over escalating violence in one of the country’s most volatile provinces.

The explosion occurred outside St. Paul Station Church in Nabuni Mbamogo, part of St. Michael Bilogai Parish in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, according to local church officials and regional media reports.

The Rev. Yanuarius Yance Yogi, dean of the Moni-Puncak Jaya Deanery, confirmed the incident and said the victims suffered injuries from the blast fragments. The wounded were identified as Pit Pogau, Robert Nabelau, Pius Pogau, and Piter Nabelau.

All four were rushed to Bilogai Regional Hospital for treatment.

Authorities said an investigation was underway, though officials stopped short of confirming the source of the explosion.

“We have received reports regarding the incident, but the details are still being collected,” Central Papua Police Chief Brig. Gen. Jermias Rontini said.

The attack sent shock waves through local Catholic communities and prompted calls for a swift response from the Indonesian government and security forces.

Tino Mote, chairman of the Central Papua chapter of the Catholic Youth organization, urged President Prabowo Subianto, the military, and national police to immediately investigate the incident and ensure civilian protection in conflict-prone areas.

Several local reports alleged the explosive device may have been dropped by a drone, though no official confirmation has been issued. Claims circulating on social media that fatalities occurred have also not been independently verified.

The blast comes amid continuing tensions in Papua, where clashes between Indonesian security forces and armed separatist groups have fueled years of instability, displacement, and civilian casualties.

Human rights organizations and church groups have repeatedly warned that civilians — including worshippers and children — remain vulnerable as violence spreads deeper into rural communities.

The explosion at the church has intensified concerns that places of worship are no longer insulated from the region’s long-running conflict.

(Sources: Odiyaiwuu, Detik, Cepos Online, UCA News)