JAYAPURA – The Operasi Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force has released the latest update on the security situation in Yahukimo Regency. Between February 10 and February 21, 2026, joint security personnel secured a total of 28 individuals as part of intensified law enforcement operations in the area.
Head of Public Relations Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., stated that the arrests were carried out gradually based on patrol findings and field identification.
“From February 10 to February 21, as of today, we have successfully secured a total of 28 individuals,” he said on February 21, 2026.
He detailed that on February 10 at 07:30 WIT, two individuals were apprehended. On February 15 at 22:20 WIT, another two were secured. On February 16 at 07:30 WIT, two more individuals were arrested.
“On Friday, February 20 at 07:30 WIT, we secured eight individuals. Later the same day at 11:00 WIT, two more were apprehended, followed by one individual at 13:25 WIT,” he explained.
“And this morning at 07:00 WIT, we secured 11 individuals. So the total number of individuals apprehended is 28,” he added.
Out of the 28 individuals, nine have been officially named as suspects following investigation and field verification processes.
“Of the 28 individuals, nine have been designated as suspects through investigation, mitigation, and field inquiry,” Yusuf emphasized.
Two suspects, Atius Sobolim and Elipianus Esema, are linked to the arson of Block B shop houses on February 14, 2026. Three others—Ferry Alimdam, Elix Malyo, and Olan Nalya—are implicated in the burning of SMP Metanoya on January 7, 2026.
Investigators also revealed the alleged involvement of Homi Heluka alias Serius Kobak in multiple cases, including the shooting of a Brimob officer in 2022, the burning of a Community Development Unit vehicle in 2025, the killing of a gold miner on April 7, 2025, the shooting of a Kodim 1715 soldier on June 16, 2025, the murder of Daniel Datti and vandalism of SMA Yapesli on February 2, 2026, as well as the shooting of a driver named Suwono on February 12, 2026.
Simak Kipka alias Aibon Kipka has been named a suspect in the burning of a Triton vehicle belonging to the Head of Yalmabil Village on February 18, 2026. Kotor Payage alias Kotoran Giban is suspected of attempted murder and the shooting of Suwono on February 12, 2026.
Meanwhile, Enage Hiluka is suspected of stabbing a betel nut vendor, Ester Karbeka, on February 17, 2026—an incident that went viral due to CCTV footage—as well as involvement in the murder of Indra Guru Wardana on September 22, 2025.
“The involvement of the remaining individuals is still under investigation, whether connected to the incidents mentioned or to other criminal acts not yet identified,” Yusuf stated.
From raids conducted at six locations, officers seized evidence including machetes, spears, bows and arrows, a flag bearing a specific symbol, and mobile phones. No firearms have been discovered so far.
“For firearms, we have not found any at this stage. All suspects are currently being held at Yahukimo Police Station under strict guard by personnel from Operation Damai Cartenz and Yahukimo Police, supported by Brimob from the Papua Regional Police,” he explained.
Head of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., stated that the resurgence of armed group activities is closely linked to the escape of Kopitua Heluka from Wamena Correctional Facility on February 25, 2025.
“Following his escape, the group reorganized and planned actions resulting in loss of life, vandalism, arson, and assaults. His return became a catalyst for the renewed escalation of incidents in Yahukimo,” he stressed.
Deputy Head of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Senior Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., added that the nine suspects confirmed so far are part of an armed criminal network.
“Preventive measures include increasing troop deployment from Operation Damai Cartenz and the Papua Regional Police Brimob Unit, while coordinating with Yahukimo Police to conduct mapping and profiling of vulnerable areas, including identifying peak risk hours. Patrols are conducted continuously,” he said.
The Operation Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security in Yahukimo Regency through sustained patrol operations and measured law enforcement efforts to maintain regional stability and protect the community.
