Dekai, March 23, 2025 — Yahukimo Regent Didimus Yahuli, S.H., has clarified the timeline of the attack on the YPK Anggruk Clinic and School that occurred on Friday, March 21, 2025. Speaking at a press conference in Dekai, he explained that poor weather initially hampered the evacuation of victims.
“On Saturday, March 22, bad weather prevented the evacuation. However, today, Sunday, March 23, we thank God for clear skies, which allowed us to deploy three military helicopters and five civilian aircraft to evacuate victims from Anggruk to Jayapura. The Deputy Regent also went directly to the site,” Yahuli stated.
He confirmed the incident resulted in one death, three serious injuries, four minor injuries, and three survivors. Initial reports of six to seven fatalities were proven inaccurate after on-site verification.
“Due to limited medical facilities here, we requested that pilots transport victims to Jayapura for better care. We extend our condolences for the loss of a teacher, and we pray that their dedication and service are accepted by God. To the grieving family, may you find strength during this difficult time,” Yahuli added.
The regent called the incident an extraordinary event, emphasizing that nothing of this nature had occurred in the area for the 64 years since the gospel first reached the region. He expressed shock shared by the local government, community, and church over the tragedy.
Addressing allegations regarding the status of teachers and health workers in Anggruk, Yahuli affirmed they were recruited transparently in 2021. He clarified that the recruitment process required candidates to be Christian, profess their faith in Jesus, be baptized, and commit to serving as missionaries.
“We categorically deny accusations that these individuals are affiliated with the military or police. Our recruitment process was open and publicly documented. If anyone has evidence of military or police involvement, please present it to me. If proven true, I am prepared to step down as regent,” he asserted.
Yahuli emphasized the government’s commitment to ethical and moral leadership and dismissed claims of malpractice. He reiterated that the recruitment aimed to develop a new generation of teachers capable of addressing global challenges and improving the region’s future
