Yahukimo, Papua Highlands — Within the span of Thursday night to Friday morning, December 25–26, 2025, two incidents of serious assault against migrant civilians occurred in the city of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency. One victim was reported dead, while the other is still receiving intensive medical treatment at the hospital.
The Head of Operation Damai Cartenz-2025, Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., stated that the first incident occurred on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at approximately 8:45 p.m. WIT on Jalan Sosial Matoa, Dekai District.
“The victim, Ramli S, 51 years old, was found dead at the scene with a machete wound to the neck. The victim is suspected to have been assaulted by five unidentified perpetrators using sharp weapons,” said Brig. Gen. Faizal.
He added that in addition to the fatal neck wound, the victim also sustained several other injuries.
“The victim suffered a machete wound to the palm of the hand and a laceration to the left wrist. Based on witness statements at the scene, prior to the incident the victim had asked for drinking water. Shortly afterward, he was found collapsed on the road in a pool of blood, while the perpetrators immediately fled the scene,” he explained.
Following reports from the public, joint personnel from the Yahukimo Police, Brimob BKO, and the Damai Cartenz-2025 Task Force responded swiftly. Officers secured the crime scene, conducted a crime scene investigation, and evacuated the victim to RSUD Dekai before transferring the body to the morgue.
Meanwhile, the second incident occurred on Friday, December 26, 2025, at around 9:00 a.m. WIT, at a motorcycle repair shop located on Jalan Papua, Dekai District. In this incident, a migrant resident named Ardi (45) became the victim of a serious assault by an unidentified person using a sharp weapon.
The Deputy Head of Operation Damai Cartenz-2025, Senior Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., stated that the victim sustained serious injuries as a result of the attack.
“The victim suffered a stab or laceration wound to the left rear side of the neck and a laceration to the right hand caused by a sharp weapon,” said Kombes Adarma.
According to him, based on witness statements, the victim was still able to provide initial information before receiving medical assistance.
“The victim managed to tell local residents that he had been stabbed.
He was then immediately evacuated by the community to RSUD Dekai to receive medical treatment. Currently, the victim is conscious and undergoing intensive care,” he added.
In response to the two incidents, joint security forces from the Yahukimo Police and the Damai Cartenz-2025 Task Force have intensified security measures by conducting further crime scene investigations, joint patrols, and raids at several vulnerable locations around the city of Dekai to prevent potential follow-up attacks.
Authorities suspect that the two incidents are related and are part of a series of security disturbances linked to the activities of the armed group KKB Kodap XVI Yahukimo.
The Damai Cartenz Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out a thorough investigation.
“We will continue to identify and pursue the perpetrators in order to uphold the law, deliver justice for the victims, and ensure a sense of security for all residents of Yahukimo Regency,” stressed Kombes Adarma.
Security forces also urged the public to remain calm, increase vigilance, and immediately report to authorities any information related to the two incidents.
These acts of violence against civilians have drawn widespread condemnation.
The attacks, allegedly carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), took place while the community was celebrating Christmas.
The incidents are considered inhumane and godless acts, as they targeted civilians during a sacred religious moment.
Such actions undermine humanitarian values and tolerance, and clearly reflect attitudes that are contrary to the moral and religious teachings of any faith.
