WAMENA, Indonesia — The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, in coordination with the Jayawijaya Police, Battalion B of the Papua Regional Mobile Brigade, and the Habema Joint Defense Operations Task Force, has responded to the alleged killing of a public transport driver on the Wamena–Mbua route in Habema, Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua Province, on Tuesday (September 15, 2026).
The victim, identified by the initials AS, 41, was traveling from Ilekma to Mbua carrying basic necessities and nine passengers. At approximately 8:30 a.m. local time, the group was allegedly intercepted by an armed group in the Habema area.
Head of Public Relation of the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., said on Wednesday (September 16) that the initial report was received from members of the public who were passengers of the vehicle.
“Last night, we conducted a search around the location. However, due to heavy fog, we were unable to locate the vehicle. We only found some belongings belonging to the passengers that had been left behind,” Yusuf said.
On Wednesday morning, September 16, 2026, the Habema Joint Defense Operations Task Force conducted a follow-up search in the area. The team subsequently located the reported vehicle at the edge of a ravine approximately 13 meters below the roadside. The vehicle had been burned, and the victim was found inside in a severely burned condition.
Following the discovery, the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz, together with the Jayawijaya Police and Battalion B of the Papua Regional Mobile Brigade, immediately conducted initial crime-scene procedures and a crime-scene examination. Personnel from the Habema Joint Defense Operations Task Force supported security around the location.
“During the crime-scene examination, the victim’s remains were found in a severely burned condition. Several parts of the body had undergone carbonization. Investigators also found one spent cartridge from a 5.56-millimeter long-barrel firearm and a bag containing the victim’s identification documents,” Yusuf said.
After the crime-scene examination was completed, the victim’s remains were evacuated to Wamena Regional General Hospital for an external forensic examination by doctors and medical personnel. Following the examination, the remains were handed over to the victim’s family.
“We are now taking investigative and identification measures to determine the individuals responsible for this incident,” Yusuf said.
Regarding possible involvement by a particular armed group, Yusuf said investigators were still examining and verifying information obtained from the field.
“One piece of information being examined points to the Kodap III Ndugama group, which was reportedly in the vicinity of the incident. However, this information still needs to be further investigated and verified,” he said.
Yusuf also urged residents, particularly in Jayawijaya Regency, to remain cautious and not to easily believe unverified information, including claims made by armed criminal groups.
He also rejected a claim circulating that the driver was allegedly a member of the security forces’ intelligence personnel.
“We can confirm that the information claiming that this public transport driver was a member of the security forces’ intelligence personnel is false. He was a driver and had been working on this route for approximately 13 years,” Yusuf said.
The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 will continue its investigation into the incident, including efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“We will continue the investigation to pursue and apprehend those responsible for this crime,” Yusuf said.
Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that protecting the safety of civilians remains a primary priority in responding to security disturbances.
“The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 responded promptly after receiving information regarding alleged violence against civilians in the Habema area. We carried out the response professionally and in a measured manner, including the search operation, initial crime-scene procedures, crime-scene examination, securing evidence, and evacuating the victim,” Faizal said.
He emphasized that any individual proven to have been involved in acts of violence against civilians would be subject to legal proceedings in accordance with applicable law, based on the results of the investigation and available evidence.
“Law enforcement will be carried out professionally and in a measured manner. We will ensure that all relevant facts are collected and that every individual proven to be involved is processed in accordance with applicable law,” Faizal said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., said the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 and the Habema Joint Defense Operations Task Force continue to coordinate in responding to the incident while prioritizing the safety of both civilians and personnel.
He also encouraged members of the public who become aware of security disturbances to immediately report the information to security personnel so it can be verified and followed up promptly and appropriately. Members of the public who require security escorts while traveling may also request assistance from the nearest security personnel.
“We urge the public to remain calm, not to be easily provoked by unverified information, and to prioritize safety when traveling, particularly in areas with potential security disturbances,” Adarma said.
The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, together with the Habema Joint Defense Operations Task Force and other relevant authorities, is continuing its investigation into the sequence of events, including the alleged interception, taking of the vehicle, killing of the driver, and burning of the vehicle, as well as efforts to identify those responsible.
The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 reiterated that acts of violence against civilians will be addressed through professional and measured law enforcement procedures in accordance with applicable laws, while continuing to prioritize the protection and safety of the public.
