YAHUKIMO– A joint team from the Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Task Force and the Yahukimo Police took action against an armed group suspected of being part of the Yahukimo Kodap XVI Eden Sawi Battalion in the area of the former General Election Commission (KPU) office on Miyaro Street, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Tuesday (September 1, 2026).
Four people suspected of being members of the Eden Sawi Battalion were killed during the operation following an exchange of gunfire with security personnel. Police also secured a number of items, including a homemade long-barreled firearm, ammunition, mobile phones, and six individuals suspected of having links to the group.
The operation was carried out after police obtained information through an ongoing investigation regarding plans for Eden Sawi Battalion members to gather and conduct a consolidation meeting at a temporary residence in the area.
At approximately 4:35 p.m. local time, the joint personnel arrived at the location and came under gunfire from individuals suspected of being members of the Eden Sawi Battalion.
Security personnel subsequently fired warning shots. However, the warnings were reportedly ignored, and several individuals were seen fleeing toward a forested area while carrying firearms and continuing to fire at the officers.
The situation was then responded to with firm and measured action in accordance with established procedures.
Head of Public Relations for the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, said the action was taken after the group continued firing despite warnings issued by personnel at the scene.
“When personnel arrived at the location, they came under gunfire from a group suspected of being members of the Eden Sawi Battalion. Personnel had already fired warning shots, but the shooting continued. Therefore, firm and measured action was taken,” Yusuf said in a statement on Wednesday (September 2, 2026).
The bodies of the four individuals killed during the operation were subsequently evacuated to Dekai Regional General Hospital for examination and identification.
Based on preliminary identification, three of the four deceased were identified by the initials EH, also known as E; YK, also known as LY; and M. The identity of the fourth individual remains under investigation.
The Damai Cartenz-2026 Task Force investigation team is also conducting facial recognition and matching procedures to confirm the identities more accurately.
During a search of the surrounding area, officers secured one homemade long-barreled firearm, 11 rounds of 5.56-millimeter ammunition, and three mobile phones.
Police also secured six individuals from the area who are suspected of having links to the Eden Sawi Battalion. The six individuals were identified by the initials BK, PM, DH, NJK, PA, and AS.
Yusuf stressed that all six individuals remain under examination and that investigators are still gathering information regarding their identities, activities, roles, and possible connections to the armed group.
“The six individuals who were secured are still undergoing examination. We are continuing to investigate their identities, activities, roles, and possible connections. Therefore, the process is still ongoing, and we will not rush to determine their status before the examination is completed,” he said.
According to police, the operation was part of ongoing law enforcement efforts against individuals suspected of involvement in a number of criminal cases in Yahukimo.
One of the cases under investigation is related to Wanted Person List Number DPO/10/V/2023/Reskrim concerning the alleged murders of Yonathan Arruan and Asri Obet on April 30, 2023, on Jalan Statistik in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency.
Authorities are also investigating possible links between the group and an alleged attack against health workers and teachers in Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, on March 21–22, 2025.
The Damai Cartenz-2026 Task Force and regional police authorities will continue to investigate and develop the findings from the operation while monitoring security developments and the activities of armed groups in Yahukimo.
Security measures in the area have also been strengthened to anticipate potential further disturbances, while continuing to prioritize the safety of civilians and personnel.
Head of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Inspector General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, said the operation was part of law enforcement efforts aimed at maintaining public security in Yahukimo Regency.
“This action is part of law enforcement efforts against armed groups suspected of involvement in a number of criminal acts and of threatening public security. We continue to prioritize measured actions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” Faizal said.
He also called on the people of Yahukimo to remain calm and avoid being provoked by unverified information.
“We urge the people of Yahukimo to remain calm, not to be easily provoked, and not to spread information that has not been verified. Our priority is to ensure that the situation remains under control so that people can carry out their daily activities safely,” he said.
