JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government has urged the public to be more vigilant against individuals who misuse the name of the Governor of Papua for personal gain.

Members of the public are advised not to easily trust information or requests made in the name of regional leaders unless they are conveyed through official channels.

The appeal was delivered by Acting Regional Secretary of Papua, Christian Sohilait, during a joint assembly at the Papua Provincial Autonomous Office on Monday (August 3, 2026).

Christian said that in recent times, several individuals had been found misusing the Governor of Papua's name through various schemes. Some claimed to be family members, close associates, or members of the governor's team in an attempt to gain the public's trust.

"People are using the governor's name for interests that are, in fact, personal interests. Those are not instructions from the governor," Christian said.

He emphasized that the Governor of Papua has never promised projects, positions, assistance, or specific policies through intermediaries. All government directives and policies are communicated through official channels by the Governor, the Deputy Governor, or the Regional Secretary.

"If the governor makes an official statement, it will be conveyed directly by him, or through the Deputy Governor or me as the Acting Regional Secretary," he said.

Christian called on the public to always verify any information claiming to originate from the Papua Provincial Government.

If they encounter suspected misuse of the Governor's name, members of the public are urged to report it immediately to the relevant authorities.

He added that the government had identified several individuals suspected of misusing the Governor's name.

The cases will be followed up in accordance with applicable laws as part of efforts to protect the public from fraudulent practices. ***