WAMENA, HIGHLAND PAPUA – The Jayawijaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit, together with personnel from the Peace Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force, are continuing their investigation into the shooting of two civilians near the main entrance of the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival (FBLB) in Walesi Village, Walesi District, Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua, on Saturday (August 8, 2026).
The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. local time. At the time, two civilians identified by the initials LMO (43) and S (50) were inside a vehicle delivering food to the festival site. Gunfire from the side of the vehicle struck the two victims, causing them to sustain injuries.
Head of the Public Relations Task Force of the Peace Cartenz-2026 Operation, Police Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., said that joint TNI-Polri personnel deployed in the area immediately responded after receiving information about the incident.
“Following the incident, the victims and witnesses immediately sought shelter. TNI-Polri personnel deployed in the area secured the location and ensured that the victims received medical attention.
To prevent further risks to the public and festival participants, visitors and participants were directed to a safer area. TNI-Polri personnel subsequently evacuated visitors, including foreign nationals, to the Jayawijaya Regent’s Office,” Yusuf said.
The two victims were subsequently treated at Wamena Regional General Hospital (RSUD Wamena). According to the latest information, both victims remained conscious and were still receiving medical treatment.
After the situation at the scene was brought under control, the Jayawijaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit, together with personnel from the Peace Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force, conducted a crime scene investigation to collect evidence and other leads related to the incident.
The examination covered the location of the shooting, the position of the victims’ vehicle, the condition of the vehicle, and several pieces of evidence found around the crime scene.
During the crime scene investigation, officers found bullet impact marks and projectile fragments on the victims’ vehicle, a Mitsubishi Triton with license plate PA 8418 Z. Three bullet impact points were found on the vehicle, consisting of two marks on the driver’s door and one on the front section or hood.
Officers also recovered four projectile fragments from the vehicle. Meanwhile, from the surrounding area, officers secured eight 5.56 mm PIN cartridge casings, one jacket, and one GLM projectile.
All evidence has been documented, recorded, and secured to support further examination and the ongoing investigation.
Yusuf Sutejo said the crime scene investigation was an important part of the effort to uncover the case.
“The crime scene investigation enabled us to secure a number of pieces of evidence and obtain leads related to the incident. These findings will subsequently be analyzed alongside statements from the victims and witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify the parties suspected of being responsible,” Yusuf said.
He explained that the Peace Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force continues to support the investigation conducted by the Jayawijaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit through information development, the collection of witness and field information, examination of evidence, and coordination with relevant authorities.
“In addition to supporting the investigation, joint personnel in the field are also conducting monitoring, searches, pursuit operations, and blocking efforts against parties suspected of involvement. All of these measures are being carried out while prioritizing public safety,” he said.
“Based on the initial findings and information developed in the field, the shooting of the two civilians is suspected to have been carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) of Kodap III Ndugama-Derakma, led by Egianus Kogoya. The initial investigation has also indicated the possible involvement of two individuals identified by the initials EG and PN, who are believed to be members of the group,” Yusuf added.
However, the alleged involvement of EG and PN remains under investigation.
Investigators are continuing to establish their identities, individual roles, and respective involvement based on available evidence, witness statements, the results of the crime scene investigation, and information obtained through further field inquiries.
Head of the Peace Cartenz-2026 Operation, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that all efforts to handle the case would be conducted based on the results of the investigation and in accordance with applicable law.
“Every lead obtained will continue to be developed to establish who is responsible. We are still conducting an investigation to determine the identities, roles, and involvement of the parties suspected of being involved,” Inspector General Faizal said.
He added that all measures taken in handling the case and enforcing the law would be carried out professionally, in a measured and proportionate manner, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, while continuing to prioritize public safety.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Peace Cartenz-2026 Operation, Police Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., said joint personnel were continuing monitoring and search efforts for the parties suspected of involvement.
“Search and pursuit efforts are continuing while taking into account security conditions in the field. We are also coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure that the situation remains under control and that people living around the area remain protected,” Adarma said.
As of now, the investigation remains ongoing. The Jayawijaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit, together with the Peace Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force, continues to develop information and examine and analyze statements and evidence obtained in order to uncover the case comprehensively.
The Peace Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force has urged the public, particularly residents in Walesi and Jayawijaya Regency, to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information.
Members of the public who have information that may assist the investigation are encouraged to report it to the authorities through the available channels and not to take matters into their own hands.
Public safety, the protection of civilians, and the maintenance of a safe and orderly environment remain the priorities in every measure taken to address the incident.
