The quiet of a mountain road in Yahukimo was shattered by gunfire on Friday afternoon, when a truck driver trying to make a living was struck by a bullet while driving toward Dekai.
The shooting took place along the Logpon main road at Kilometer 7, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, on Friday, 30 January 2026. Authorities received reports from residents at around 3:20 p.m. WIT about gunshots near the KM 7 Logpon bridge.
The victim was identified as Jany Trio Mayaut (42), a private-sector worker residing on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman KM 1, Dekai. At the time of the incident, he was driving a box truck from Logpon toward Dekai town.
According to the victim and witnesses, approximately five gunshots were fired from the right side of the road at around 3:00 p.m. One of the bullets struck the victim in his upper right arm. Despite being injured and in pain, Jany continued driving toward Dekai in an effort to save himself.
He is currently receiving intensive medical treatment at Dekai Regional Hospital. He remains conscious, and his gunshot wound has been treated. The truck he was driving also sustained damage, with bullet holes found on the vehicle’s body.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing several armed individuals on the roadside before they fled into a nearby forested area. Based on initial findings, authorities suspect the attack was carried out by an armed criminal group (KKB) operating under Kodap XVI Yahukimo. However, this assessment remains under further investigation.
In response, joint personnel from the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force 2026 and Yahukimo Police immediately secured the crime scene, conducted area sweeps, and gathered evidence. Several spent ammunition casings were recovered from the location.
Head of Cartenz Peace Operation 2026, Brigadier General Pol. Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, emphasized that civilian safety remains the top priority.
“We deeply regret the incident that injured the victim. Our personnel responded quickly to ensure he received medical assistance and that the situation at the scene remained under control. We are now focused on pursuing the perpetrators and ensuring the public can carry out their daily activities safely,” he said.
He added that security measures in vulnerable areas will continue to be balanced with efforts to protect civilians.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Cartenz Peace Operation 2026, Senior Commissioner Pol. Adarma Sinaga, urged residents to remain calm while staying alert.
“We ask the public not to panic. If anyone sees or knows of suspicious activities, please report them immediately to the nearest security officers. Information from the community is crucial in helping us resolve cases like this more quickly,” Adarma stated.
Although the incident initially caused concern among local residents, the swift presence of security forces helped stabilize the situation. Community activities in Dekai District are gradually returning to normal, with increased security at several key points.
The Cartenz Peace Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to firm and measured law enforcement while ensuring the protection of civilians, so that social and economic life in Yahukimo can continue safely.
