DEKAI, PAPUA PEGUNUNGAN – The Task Force of Operation Peace Cartenz-2026, together with the Yahukimo Police, is handling two violent incidents that occurred in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on October 11 and 12, 2026. The two incidents resulted in the death of a civilian identified by the initial A (46) and serious injuries to a civil servant identified by the initials ET (51). Joint personnel have responded at the scenes and are continuing to examine witness statements and supporting evidence to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
The first incident occurred at the Blok B Shop Complex in Dekai District on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m. Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT). According to preliminary information, before the incident, A had helped unload a shipment of basic food supplies from a truck. Afterward, a witness entered the shop to organize the unloaded goods.
A short time later, when the witness checked the situation, A was found lying on the ground with injuries. The victim was subsequently taken to Dekai Regional General Hospital (RSUD Dekai) for medical treatment. However, the victim could not be saved.
After receiving information about the incident, personnel from the Operation Peace Cartenz-2026 Task Force and the Yahukimo Police went to the scene to conduct initial procedures and obtain statements from several witnesses. Officers also visited RSUD Dekai as part of the case-handling process.
Amid the investigation, information circulated on social media linking A to an intelligence officer of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). This information has been confirmed to be false. The victim was a civilian who lived and earned a living in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, to support his family. The public is urged not to believe or spread information that has not been verified.
In addition, there are suspicions regarding the involvement of the armed criminal group (KKB) associated with Kodap XVI Yahukimo, led by Kopitua Heluka, in the series of violent incidents. These suspicions are still being investigated to establish the facts and identify those responsible based on the available evidence.
The Head of Public Relations of Operation Peace Cartenz-2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., emphasized that information identifying A as an intelligence officer of the Indonesian National Armed Forces was false. He explained that the victim was a civilian working to support his family.
“The information claiming that the victim, identified by the initial A, was an intelligence officer is false. The victim was a civilian who earned a living to support his family. We urge the public not to believe unverified information or participate in spreading it, so that public safety and security can be maintained,” stated the Head of Public Relations of Operation Peace Cartenz-2026 when speaking to the media on Monday, October 12, 2026.
On Monday, October 12, 2026, A’s body was transported by chartered aircraft from Nop Goliat Dekai Airport to Mozes Kilangin Airport in Timika. The body was then scheduled to be flown to Makassar, South Sulawesi, via Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport for handover to the family.
Meanwhile, the serious assault against ET (51) occurred on the morning of Monday, October 12, 2026, in the Echelon IV Housing Complex, Lane 3, Dekai District. According to the victim’s account, ET was sweeping the yard of the house when two unidentified individuals carrying sharp weapons approached and attacked the victim. While attempting to protect himself, ET sustained open wounds to the left wrist and the right side of the back.
The victim survived and was taken to RSUD Dekai for further medical treatment. In response to the incident, personnel from the Operation Peace Cartenz-2026 Task Force and the Yahukimo Police secured the location, conducted a crime scene investigation, and placed police lines around the Echelon IV Housing Complex, Lane 3. These measures were undertaken to support evidence collection and the ongoing investigation.
The Head of Public Relations of Operation Peace Cartenz-2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., stated that the Operation Peace Cartenz Task Force and the Yahukimo Police responded promptly after receiving information about the incident. Joint personnel immediately went to the crime scene to conduct initial procedures, collect evidence, obtain statements from several witnesses, and examine the scene to support the investigation.
“Upon receiving information about the incident, personnel from the Operation Peace Cartenz Task Force and the Yahukimo Police immediately responded by going to the crime scene. Officers collected evidence, obtained statements from witnesses, and conducted a crime scene investigation. These steps are intended to establish the sequence of events clearly and identify those responsible. We ensure that the case is handled professionally and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” said the Head of Public Relations of Operation Peace Cartenz-2026.
Meanwhile, the Head of Operation Peace Cartenz-2026, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that public safety remains the top priority in handling both cases. He assured the public that law enforcement would be carried out professionally and objectively, while encouraging the community to help maintain security in Yahukimo.
“These incidents are a serious concern for us because they involve public safety. We are committed to ensuring that each case is handled professionally and objectively, with a focus on facts and admissible evidence. We also urge the public to remain calm and work together to maintain a peaceful and secure situation in Yahukimo,” emphasized the Head of Operation Peace Cartenz-2026.
The Deputy Head of Operation Peace Cartenz-2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., stated that the investigation remains ongoing. Investigators are examining witness statements and cross-checking supporting evidence to clarify the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
“The investigation is still ongoing. Witness statements and supporting information obtained so far will be examined and cross-checked to clarify the sequence of events and identify those responsible. We ensure that the cases are handled based on facts and evidence that can be properly accounted for,” stated the Deputy Head of Operation Peace Cartenz-2026.
The Operation Peace Cartenz-2026 Task Force, together with the Yahukimo Police, continues to investigate both cases in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The public is urged to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and work together to maintain security and public order in Yahukimo Regency.
