YAHUKIMO – An act of violence has shaken the education community in Yahukimo Regency after a civilian was killed in an attack that occurred within the premises of SMP YPK Yakpesmi Dekai, Dekai District, Papua Pegunungan, on Monday morning (January 2, 2026).
The victim was identified as Daniel Datti, SE (41), a native of Makale, Toraja. At approximately 09.00 WIT, the victim was reportedly working on the construction of school desks and chairs at Jalan Seradala Km 03 when the incident took place. The situation escalated rapidly after gunshots were heard coming from the rear of the school complex.
According to witness statements, the victim attempted to flee toward the teachers’ room to save himself.
However, he was pursued by three armed assailants—one carrying a homemade long-barreled firearm, another wielding an axe, while the third suspect was seen recording the attack using a mobile phone. The assault occurred inside the teachers’ room before the perpetrators escaped toward the back of the school area.
Medical examination results revealed that the victim suffered severe injuries to the head, back, and both knees, which ultimately led to his death. In addition to the fatality, the incident also resulted in property damage, including shattered glass in a Grade XII classroom and damage to the rear window of a red vehicle caused by stone throwing.
Upon receiving the report, Yahukimo Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim Polres Yahukimo) promptly responded by securing the crime scene, evacuating the victim, questioning witnesses, and collecting evidence. The victim’s body was transported to Dekai Regional Hospital (RSUD Dekai) for a post-mortem examination. Authorities secured several pieces of evidence, including broken glass fragments, stones, the victim’s clothing, and metal fragments suspected to be projectiles.
Head of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Brigjen Pol. Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, expressed his deepest condolences over the incident that occurred within an educational environment.
“We are deeply saddened by the victim’s death. School environments must be safe spaces for everyone. At this time, the joint security forces are focusing on intensive investigations to identify the perpetrators and ensure public safety remains secured,” he said.
He emphasized that security presence in the Yahukimo area will continue to be strengthened through routine patrols and both overt and covert security measures to prevent similar acts of violence.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Kombes Pol. Adarma Sinaga, stated that coordination with school authorities and local community leaders has been carried out following the incident.
“We want to ensure that teachers, students, and nearby residents feel safe. We prioritize a dialogic approach, alongside law enforcement efforts against the perpetrators,” he said.
As of now, police are still conducting an in-depth investigation to identify and locate the perpetrators, who remain at large. Authorities assured that security conditions in Dekai remain under control to allow public activities—particularly educational activities—to resume safely and peacefully.
