InfoSAWIT, SOUTH SORONG – Violence erupted at the oil palm plantation area of PT Permata Putra Mandiri (PPM) in Kais District, South Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, after a mob attack left four workers injured and caused extensive damage to employee housing facilities.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (13/5/2026) at around 3:00 p.m. local time and was allegedly triggered by a group of residents believed to be under the influence of alcohol. The situation escalated following an assault on four company workers.
Based on information gathered, the incident began when a man identified by the initials RM approached an employee housing area and asked to borrow a motorcycle belonging to one of the company’s foremen. The request was rejected, leading to an argument at the scene.
Shortly afterward, RM allegedly returned with several other individuals and launched an attack on workers inside the plantation area.
Four victims were reported injured in the assault: DS, a company foreman; NP, the wife of an assistant manager; AP, the wife of another foreman; and OB, a contract worker. One of the victims had to be referred to dr R Oetojo General Hospital in Sorong City for further medical treatment.
As reported by InfoSAWIT from Fajar Papua on Tuesday (19/5/2026), the unrest escalated further when the mob began vandalizing company facilities. At least 18 employee barracks suffered damage from stone-throwing and destruction of building windows.
During the evacuation of hundreds of workers from the area, several individuals were also suspected of looting belongings left behind in empty barracks.
Approximately 179 plantation workers were evacuated to safer locations to avoid further clashes. However, amid the chaotic situation, many workers reported losing personal belongings.
Items allegedly looted included mobile phones, mattresses, kitchen equipment, clothing, and cash belonging to employees.
PT PPM General Manager Gita Mustika said the company is still calculating the total losses resulting from the looting and vandalism.
“Most of the employee barracks were damaged, and many workers lost their belongings during the evacuation process,” she stated.
Kais Police Chief Ipda Abdul Rahman confirmed the assault incident that later escalated into looting and destruction at the plantation site.
According to him, police are currently conducting investigations to identify those involved in the assault, vandalism, and looting during the unrest.
Meanwhile, Kais District Head Yulius Keba said the incident was strongly suspected to have been influenced by alcohol consumption.
Local authorities, security personnel, and community leaders have since carried out mediation efforts to maintain stability and prevent the conflict from spreading further.
Security around PT PPM’s plantation area remains tightened to anticipate possible follow-up incidents. (T2)
