YAHUKIMO, PAPUA PEGUNUNGAN – The Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Task Force, in coordination with the Yahukimo Police, is investigating a serious assault involving the stabbing of LM, a 32-year-old contract worker in the Radiology Department of Dekai Regional General Hospital. The incident occurred behind a kiosk in the residential area of SMA Negeri 1 Dekai Senior High School teachers’ housing complex, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on Friday, October 23, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time (WIT).
According to preliminary investigative findings, the victim was sitting behind the kiosk when two unidentified individuals suddenly attacked him with sharp weapons. The attack was reportedly launched from the victim’s left side and from behind, resulting in two stab wounds to his right back and left abdomen.
At the time of the incident, the surrounding area was poorly lit due to a power outage. The victim reportedly shouted for help and attempted to defend himself, prompting both assailants to flee the scene. Residents who heard his cries rushed to the location and transported him to Dekai Regional General Hospital for medical treatment.
The Head of Public Relations of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., told the media on Saturday, October 24, that when the victim arrived at the hospital’s Emergency Department, a sharp weapon resembling a short, handleless samurai-style sword was still embedded in his right back.
“The victim sustained two stab wounds, one to the left side of his abdomen and the other to the right side of his back. When he was brought to the hospital, the sharp weapon believed to have been used in the attack was still embedded in his right back. The victim has received medical treatment and is now in stable condition, although he remains under medical observation,” the Head of Public Relations explained.
Following receipt of the report, the Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Task Force and the Yahukimo Police responded by visiting the hospital to assess the victim’s condition and subsequently conducting preliminary investigative activities at the crime scene.
Officers searched the surrounding area, established a police cordon, gathered witness statements, examined items potentially connected to the case, and conducted a crime scene examination to support the investigation.
During the crime scene examination, officers inspected the surrounding area and collected physical evidence believed to be related to the stabbing. They recovered one weapon handle and a pair of sandals. Both items were secured as evidence for further investigative purposes.
Officers are also examining witness statements and the conditions at the scene to reconstruct the sequence of events, identify the perpetrators, and establish the facts surrounding the case.
The Head of Public Relations of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation stated that investigators had obtained preliminary information regarding the physical characteristics of the suspected perpetrators. Based on the apparent pattern and characteristics of the attack, the two individuals are suspected of having links to the Kodap XVI Yahukimo armed group, led by Kopi Tua Heluka, which is associated with the Armed Criminal Group (KKB). However, these suspected links remain unverified and must be established through further investigation.
“Based on our preliminary inquiries, we have obtained information regarding the characteristics of the suspected perpetrators, who may have links to the Kodap XVI Yahukimo armed group led by Kopi Tua Heluka. However, these suspicions still need to be substantiated. Together with the Yahukimo Police, we are continuing the investigation and pursuing further leads to establish the identities of the perpetrators and bring them into custody,” the Head of Public Relations stated.
He added that all criminal offenses and acts of violence would be addressed through legal proceedings based on established facts and the evidence obtained. He also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in providing relevant information to assist investigators.
“In this incident, the victim is a civilian employed as a contract worker in the Radiology Department of Dekai Regional General Hospital. We consider acts of violence of this nature to constitute a form of terror directed at the civilian population. Therefore, we strongly encourage members of the public to cooperate and provide information that may help bring this case to light,” he emphasized.
The serious assault case has been registered under Police Report Number LP/B/57/X/2026/SPKT/Polres Yahukimo/Polda Papua, dated October 23, 2026.
In the report, the primary charge is brought under Article 469 paragraph (1), in conjunction with Article 20(c), of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), relating to premeditated serious assault, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 12 years.
The alternative charge is brought under Article 468 paragraph (1), in conjunction with Article 20(c), of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code, relating to serious assault, which carries a maximum prison sentence of eight years.
The application of these provisions remains subject to the findings of the investigation and the establishment of evidence in accordance with applicable law.
The Head of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that the stabbing case would be handled professionally, based on facts and evidence, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
“Every act of violence against members of the public must be addressed professionally and in accordance with the law. We support the investigative process to ensure that this case is resolved on the basis of verified facts and evidence,” the Head of the Operation stated.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Senior Commissioner of Police Ardiansyah Daulay, S.I.K., M.H., urged the public to remain vigilant, refrain from circulating unverified information, and report any information relevant to the case to the police.
“We encourage the public to help maintain security and public order. All information received will be followed up in accordance with established procedures, while protecting the confidentiality of the identity of those providing information,” the Deputy Head of the Operation stated.
The Head of Public Relations of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., also urged the public not to be provoked or take the law into their own hands, and to leave the handling of the case to law enforcement authorities.
“We urge the public to remain calm and not be easily provoked. Anyone with information related to this incident or other suspected criminal activities is encouraged to report it to the police immediately. The Indonesian National Police, together with the community, remains committed to maintaining security and peace throughout Papua,” the Head of Public Relations concluded.
As of this report, investigators from the Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Task Force, working alongside the Yahukimo Police, continue to examine witness statements and evidence collected at the scene to establish the identities of the perpetrators and determine their motive. Any suspected links between the perpetrators and an armed group are also being verified through the ongoing investigative process.
