DEKAI — The Head of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Brigjen Pol. Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., reaffirmed that Operation Damai Cartenz is committed to safeguarding peace in Papua by ensuring that every democratic process proceeds safely, orderly, and with dignity.
“Operation Damai Cartenz 2026 is present to keep Papua safe and peaceful. The expression of public aspirations is a constitutional right that must be respected. Our duty is to ensure that democratic spaces function in a safe, orderly manner and do not give rise to conflict within the community,” Brigjen Pol. Faizal Ramadhani emphasized.
In line with this commitment, personnel of Operation Damai Cartenz, together with the Yahukimo Police and supported by the Papua Regional Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob BKO), provided security for a public demonstration conducted by the Yahukimo Student Front of Indonesia at the Yahukimo Regency DPRD Office on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Prior to heading to the DPRD Office, the demonstrators gathered at the Dekai City Clock Tower area. Approximately ±500 participants then moved in an orderly manner on foot through several main streets of Dekai City, accompanied by one four-wheeled vehicle and dozens of motorcycles.
Upon arrival at the Yahukimo Regency DPRD Office, the demonstrators conveyed their aspirations and statements of position, which essentially rejected militarism, the construction of military posts, investment activities, national strategic projects, and the proposed establishment of new autonomous regions (DOB) in Yahukimo Regency. These aspirations were delivered through speeches, the reading of formal statements, and the submission of official documents to the DPRD.
During the demonstration, representatives of the participants—including students, traditional leaders, youth, women from the Yahukimo community, and other elements of society—expressed their views and demands related to security conditions, civilian activities, and social conditions experienced in several areas of Yahukimo Regency.
At approximately 1:15 p.m. WIT, the Yahukimo Student Front of Indonesia officially submitted its statement to the Yahukimo Regency DPRD. The First Deputy Speaker of the Yahukimo Regency DPRD, Minggituk Kobak, S.Si, stated that the DPRD accepted all aspirations conveyed and would follow them up in accordance with established mechanisms by forwarding them to the central government.
Throughout the demonstration, security was carried out both openly and covertly by a joint force consisting of personnel from the Yahukimo Police, Brimob BKO of the Papua Regional Police, and the Operation Damai Cartenz Task Force. The entire series of activities proceeded in an orderly and safe manner without any disturbances to public security and order.
Yahukimo Police Chief AKBP Zet Saalino, S.H., M.H., emphasized that the Indonesian National Police respect the freedom to express opinions in public as a constitutional right of citizens, provided it is carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
“The Police are present to ensure the security and safety of all members of the community. We respect the peaceful expression of aspirations, and the security measures implemented aim to maintain a conducive public order situation in Yahukimo Regency,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the First Deputy Speaker of the Yahukimo Regency DPRD, Minggituk Kobak, expressed his appreciation for the security measures taken by law enforcement, which allowed the demonstration to take place safely and orderly.
“We observed that security personnel carried out their duties in a professional and humane manner. Public aspirations were conveyed properly, and the situation remained conducive. This is essential for keeping Yahukimo safe and peaceful,” he said.
Following the delivery of their aspirations, the demonstrators gradually dispersed from the Yahukimo Regency DPRD Office. The entire activity concluded with a safe, orderly, and conducive situation as part of a shared commitment to maintaining peace in Yahukimo Regency through Operation Damai Cartenz 2026.
