Paniai – The Central Papua Regional Police have deployed Forensic Laboratory (Labfor) and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) teams to investigate the cause of a fire in the Bopauda Market area, East Paniai District, Paniai Regency, which claimed the lives of 11 people early Monday morning (September 7, 2026).
Acting Head of Public Relations for the Central Papua Regional Police, Commissioner Henry J. Manurung, stated that the Labfor and DVI teams from the Papua Regional Police Medical and Health Division (Pusdokkes) were deployed to support the investigation. Police are also currently gathering evidence and questioning witnesses.
“To support the investigation process, DVI and Forensic Laboratory teams from the Papua Regional Police Medical and Health Division are being brought in,” Henry told reporters.
The Central Papua Regional Police have also deployed a joint investigation team led by the Director of General Criminal Investigation, Senior Commissioner Asep Sayidi Wijaya, and the Director of Special Criminal Investigation, Senior Commissioner I Ketut Suarnaya. Both are already in Paniai Regency to assist the Paniai Resort Police in conducting the investigation at the scene.
The deployment of these teams follows a direct order from the Central Papua Regional Police Chief, Brigadier General Jermias Rontini, aimed at accelerating the determination of the fire’s cause.
The Central Papua Regional Police have also dispatched five mid-to-junior ranking officers and several criminal investigation personnel to support the inquiry.
11 People Killed
The Bopauda Market fire destroyed 49 buildings, comprising both kiosks and houses. A total of 148 people were left homeless as a result of the blaze.
Eleven people died in the incident. The victims consisted of five adults and six children.
The five adult victims were Najamuddin (70), Wandi (36), Hasyim (30), Rizka Falma (28), and Herlina (30). The six child victims were Aska (9), Abie (6), Adit (5), Ardi (9), Icha (6), and Ai Yusuf (2). The bodies of all the deceased have been taken to Paniai Regional General Hospital (RSUD) pending post-mortem examinations.
“Currently, the bodies of all the victims are being held at Paniai Regional General Hospital. We plan to conduct post-mortem examinations on the victims, but we are still awaiting permission from their families,” Henry explained.
Police have also set up an evacuation post in the yard of the East Paniai Sector Police station. However, most of the affected residents have chosen to seek shelter at the homes of their respective family members.
Cause of Fire Unknown
Police have not yet been able to determine the cause of the fire at Bopauda Market. Investigators are currently focused on gathering evidence at the scene and questioning witnesses.
“We are focusing on collecting evidence and taking statements from witnesses, so we cannot yet speculate on the cause of the fire,” Henry said.
Police have asked members of the public with information regarding the fire to report it immediately to local authorities. Residents are also urged to refrain from speculating or spreading unverified information.
“We ask the public to leave the handling of this case entirely to the police and not to be swayed by rumors that may not be true,” he said.
