Lukas Enembe (born July 27, 1967 – died 26 December 2023, Aged: 56 years old), who served as the 13th governor of Papua province from 2013 to 2023, passed away on December 26, 2023, at the age of 56.
He died in Jakarta, where he was undergoing medical treatment and facing corruption charges. Enembe was a prominent figure in Papua’s politics and development, as well as a controversial one, who faced allegations of graft, human rights violations, and separatist sympathies.
Early Life and Education
Lukas was born on July 27, 1967, in Kampung Mamit, Kembu District, in what is now Tolikara Regency, Papua. He was a member of the Dani ethnic group, who inhabit the western New Guinea highlands. His original name was Lomato Enembe, but he was called Lukas by his teacher and friends in elementary school, and the name stuck.
He spent his childhood in Tolikara, where he attended YPPGI Elementary School and graduated in 1980. He then moved to Sentani, Jayapura Regency, to continue his education at SMP Negeri 1 Sentani (Sentani 1st State Junior High School) from 1980 to 1983, and SMA Negeri 3 Sentani (Sentani 3rd State Senior High School) from 1983 to 1986.
He pursued higher education at Sam Ratulangi University in Sulawesi, where he studied political science. He also attended Cornerstone Christian College in Australia, where he obtained a master’s degree in public administration.
Lukas Enembe Wiki/Bio
| Name | Lukas Enembe |
| Date of Birth | July 27, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Tolikara, Papua, Indonesia |
| Date of Death | December 26, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Cause of Death | Stroke and other complications |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Party | Democratic Party |
| Office | Governor of Papua |
| Term | 2013-2023 |
| Predecessor | Barnabas Suebu |
| Successor | Ridwan Rumasukun (acting) |
| Spouse | Yulce Enembe (née Wenda) |
| Children | Astract Bona T.M. Enembe, Dario Alvin Nells Isak Enembe, Eldorado Gamael Enumbi |
| Parents | Enembe Wonda and Yuliana Wonda |
| Siblings | Yulianus Enembe, Yuliana Enembe, Yulianus Enembe, Yulianus Enembe, and Yulianus Enembe |
| Education | Sam Ratulangi University, Cornerstone Christian College |
| Ethnicity | Dani |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (estimated) |
| Website | lukasenembe.com |
| lukasenembe | |
| Wikipedia | Lukas_Enembe |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Wife and Kids
Enembe was married to Yulce Enembe (née Wenda), who is also from the Dani ethnic group. They had three children: Astract Bona T.M. Enembe, Dario Alvin Nells Isak Enembe, and Eldorado Gamael Enumbi.
Enembe’s wife and kids were often involved in his political and social activities, as well as his legal troubles. His wife, Yulce, was the chairwoman of the Papua Women’s Solidarity (SP) organization, which supported Enembe’s programs and policies. She also accompanied him in various official and diplomatic events, such as meeting with foreign leaders and dignitaries.
However, his wife and kids were also implicated in the corruption and money laundering cases that Enembe faced. The KPK alleged that Enembe used his wife and kids’ bank accounts to transfer and hide the illicit funds that he obtained from misusing the government budget. The KPK also froze their assets, which included several luxury cars, houses, and land.
Net Worth and Income Sources
According to one source, Lukas Enembe’s net worth was estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2023. However, this figure might not reflect his actual wealth, as he was accused of having undeclared and illegal sources of income.
Enembe’s main source of income was his salary as the governor of Papua, which was reportedly around 6.5 million rupiah ($460) per month. However, he also received various allowances and bonuses, which increased his income significantly.
Enembe was also alleged to have received bribes and kickbacks from contractors and businessmen, who were involved in the development projects and programs in Papua. He was also suspected of gambling in casinos in Singapore and Australia, using the government funds that he misappropriated.
Physical Stats
There is no reliable information about Lukas Enembe’s height, weight, and physical stats. However, based on his photos and videos, he appeared to be of average height and weight, with a dark complexion, black hair, and brown eyes. He also wore glasses and had a mustache.
| Weight | In Kilograms: 80 kg |
| Height | In Feet Inches: 5′ 7″ |
| Hair Color | Black. |
| Eye Color | Black. |
Parents and Siblings
Lukas was born to Enembe Wonda and Yuliana Wonda, who were farmers in Tolikara. He was the second of six children. His siblings are: Yulianus Enembe, Yuliana Enembe, Yulianus Enembe, Yulianus Enembe, and Yulianus Enembe.
Enembe’s parents and siblings supported his political career and aspirations and often joined him in his campaigns and rallies. They also defended him from the accusations and criticisms that he faced.
Career and Achievements
Enembe returned to Papua in 1995 and was accepted as a civil servant in 1996. He began his career as a staff member at the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Jayawijaya Regency. He then rose through the ranks, becoming the head of the agency in 1999.
In 2001, he was elected as the vice-regent of Puncak Jaya Regency, serving under Regent Elieser Renmaur. He held the position until 2006 when he resigned to run for the regency’s top post. He won the election in 2007, and became the regent of Puncak Jaya, with Henock Ibo as his deputy. He served as the regent until 2012, when he resigned again to run for the governorship of Papua province.
In 2013, he won the gubernatorial election, becoming the 13th governor of Papua, with Klemen Tinal as his deputy. He was inaugurated on April 9, 2013, by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. He was re-elected in 2018, with the same running mate. He was sworn in for his second term on September 5, 2018, by President Joko Widodo.
Governor of Papua
As the governor of Papua, Enembe was known for his efforts to promote the development and welfare of the province, which is the easternmost and most impoverished region of Indonesia. He initiated various programs and projects, such as infrastructure improvement, education and health services, social assistance, cultural preservation, and environmental protection.
He also advocated for the rights and interests of the Papuan people, especially the indigenous communities, who have long faced discrimination and marginalization. He supported the implementation of the special autonomy status for Papua, which grants the province greater political and economic autonomy from the central government. He also called for dialogue and reconciliation between the government and the pro-independence movement, which has been waging a low-intensity armed struggle since the 1960s.
Enembe was also active in national and international affairs, as a member of the Democratic Party and the chairman of the Association of Indonesian Provincial Governments (APPSI). He participated in various forums and events, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) summit, and the United Nations General Assembly. He also established cooperation and friendship with various countries and regions, such as China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his achievements and popularity, Enembe also faced several controversies and challenges during his tenure as the governor of Papua. He was accused of being involved in corruption, human rights violations, and separatist activities, which tarnished his reputation and credibility.
In September 2017, he was named as a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the country’s anti-graft agency, for allegedly receiving bribes worth 1 billion rupiah ($71,000) from a contractor concerning an infrastructure project in Papua. He was also named as a witness in another graft case involving the misappropriation of scholarship funds for Papuan students. He denied the allegations and claimed that he was a victim of a political conspiracy. He was never formally charged or tried for the cases, but he was banned from traveling abroad by the KPK.
In September 2022, he was named as a suspect again by the KPK, for allegedly misusing government funds worth 104 billion rupiah ($7.4 million) for personal expenses, including gambling in casinos in Singapore and Australia. He was also accused of laundering the money through his family members’ bank accounts. The KPK froze his and his relatives’ assets, totaling 76 billion rupiah ($5.4 million), which was more than double his reported personal wealth of 33.7 billion rupiah ($2.4 million). He again denied the allegations and challenged the KPK’s authority and evidence.
In January 2023, he was arrested by the KPK in Jayapura, the capital of Papua, and flown to Jakarta for further investigation. He was detained at the KPK’s headquarters, where he underwent several interrogations. However, his health condition deteriorated, as he suffered from a stroke and other complications. He was transferred to the Army Hospital in Jakarta, where he received intensive care and treatment. He died on December 26, 2023, before his trial could begin.
Lukas Enembe was also criticized for his alleged involvement in human rights violations in Papua, especially during the 2019-2020 unrest, which was triggered by racial discrimination and violence against Papuan students in Surabaya, East Java. The unrest escalated into mass protests, riots, and clashes between the security forces and the pro-independence militants, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries, as well as widespread damage and displacement.
Enembe was accused of failing to protect the rights and safety of the Papuan people and of siding with the central government and the security forces, who were accused of using excessive force and committing atrocities. He was also blamed for the internet blackout and the restrictions on the access of journalists and humanitarian workers to the affected areas. He defended his actions and policies, saying that he was trying to restore peace and order and prevent further violence and provocation.
Enembe was also suspected of having separatist sympathies, as he often expressed his support and solidarity for the pro-independence movement, and criticized the central government’s policies and actions in Papua. He also maintained close ties with some of the leaders and members of the movement, such as Benny Wenda, the chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), who lives in exile in the United Kingdom.
He also sought to establish diplomatic relations with other countries and regions that support the Papuan cause, such as Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Melanesia. He was accused of undermining the sovereignty and integrity of Indonesia, and of violating his oath of office. He denied the accusations and said that he was loyal to Indonesia and that he was only pursuing the best interests of Papua and its people.
How Did Lukas Enembe Die?
Lukas Enembe, the former governor of Papua province in Indonesia, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the age of 56. He died from complications of a stroke and other illnesses while serving an eight-year prison sentence for corruption at the Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) in Jakarta.
Enembe was a prominent figure in Papua, the easternmost region of Indonesia that has been plagued by decades of separatist conflict and human rights violations. He was the first governor of Papua to be elected by direct popular vote in 2013 and was re-elected for a second term in 2018. He was also the leader of the Democratic Party in Papua, and a member of the Dani ethnic group, one of the largest indigenous groups in the province.
Legacy and Impact
Enembe’s death was mourned by his family, friends, colleagues, and supporters, who praised him for his service and contribution to Papua and Indonesia. He was also honored by the central government, who granted him a state funeral and a posthumous award. He was buried in his hometown of Tolikara, where thousands of people attended his funeral.
Enembe’s death also sparked mixed reactions from his critics and opponents, who expressed their condolences, but also their hopes for justice and accountability. Some of them also questioned the circumstances and causes of his death and demanded an independent investigation.
Enembe’s death also left a political vacuum and uncertainty in Papua, as he was the highest-ranking official and the most influential leader in the province. His deputy, Klemen Tinal, had resigned in 2021, after being implicated in a corruption case. The acting governor, Ridwan Rumasukun, a career bureaucrat, was appointed by the central
