YAHUKIMO, MOUNTAIN PAPUA – The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, together with the Yahukimo Police, is handling two separate security incidents in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Mountain Papua. The incidents involved the stabbing of a local resident on Thursday evening (September 17) and the burning of a coffee stall in the early hours of Friday (September 18).
The stabbing occurred at around 6:40 p.m. local time on Thursday on Telkomsel Road, Telkomsel Complex, Dekai District. The victim, identified by the initials IA, 48, sustained several open wounds to the left arm and left rib area. The victim received medical treatment and remains hospitalized at Dekai Regional General Hospital in conscious condition.
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 in a statement to the media on Friday (September 18) that the stabbing occurred during a power outage in the area.
According to the initial account, the victim, who operated a kiosk, was approached by an individual who intended to purchase goods. When the victim approached the person, the individual allegedly stabbed him.
“The victim sustained three stab wounds, two of them on the left hand or arm and one on the left rib area. The victim was able to observe some characteristics of the alleged perpetrator, including a small build and the clothing worn,” said Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo.
Following the incident, the Yahukimo Police issued Police Report Number LP/B/50/IX/2026/SPKT/Yahukimo Police/Mountain Papua Police, dated September 17, 2026.
Joint personnel from the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 and the Yahukimo Police subsequently conducted an initial investigation by interviewing the victim and witnesses and examining the scene.
Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo said the joint team also conducted a crime scene examination and further interviews with the victim and witnesses on Friday afternoon.
“Based on the crime scene examination, officers identified several points related to the incident, including the position of the victim, the positions of three individuals who, according to the victim’s account, were allegedly involved, as well as several areas containing bloodstains. Officers also secured a short-sleeved shirt as evidence. Investigators are currently conducting further inquiries to identify the perpetrators and establish the sequence of events based on facts and evidence,” he said.
Based on the victim’s initial statement to investigators, three individuals were allegedly involved in the stabbing. They were described as having small builds and wearing shorts. Their identities are still being investigated.
Investigators are also examining preliminary information regarding a possible connection between the alleged perpetrators and the Kodap XVI Yahukimo armed group. Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo stressed that the information must first be verified before any conclusion can be drawn regarding the identity of the perpetrators or their possible connection to the incident.
“Information regarding the possible involvement of a particular group is still under investigation. We do not want to draw conclusions before witness statements, crime scene findings, and other evidence can be confirmed by investigators,” he said.
Coffee Stall Fire
The second incident occurred separately at around 2:15 a.m. local time on Friday (September 18), when a coffee stall owned by a 67-year-old resident identified by the initial M was burned on Paradiso Road, Dekai District.
According to the stall owner’s account, the owner was inside the house when they heard voices or communication coming from outside. The owner then looked through a window and saw that a small kiosk located in front of the house was on fire. The owner subsequently called for assistance from nearby residents to extinguish the flames.
Another witness, identified by the initial D, 29, said that before seeing the fire, the witness heard footsteps believed to have come from approximately two people. Shortly afterward, the witness heard the sound of corrugated metal from outside. When the witness checked the area, the stall was already on fire.
Police received information about the fire at approximately 2:39 a.m. Joint personnel from the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 and the Yahukimo Police proceeded to the location at around 2:45 a.m. and arrived approximately five minutes later.
When officers arrived, local residents had already extinguished the fire. The incident caused damage to the right wall of the stall.
Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo said the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 and the Yahukimo Police would continue their efforts to investigate both cases and restore a sense of security among residents.
“Both cases are still under investigation. Investigators are conducting intensive examinations to uncover the two cases. We urge residents of Dekai and the wider Yahukimo community to remain calm while staying vigilant, particularly when carrying out activities at night. For kiosk owners who have finished their activities, we advise them to close and properly lock their kiosks. We will continue our efforts to resolve both cases so that people can carry out their activities with greater peace of mind,” said Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo.
Meanwhile, Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that every security incident affecting members of the public or their property remains a priority for the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 and the Yahukimo Police.
“We ensure that every incident is handled professionally, in a measured manner, and based on facts and evidence. We urge the public to remain calm, maintain public security and order, and not be easily provoked by information whose accuracy has not been verified. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to immediately report it to the police,” said the Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026.
Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., said joint personnel continued to carry out security and response measures in Dekai, while information related to both incidents was being verified through field investigations.
“Every piece of information we receive will be verified and cross-checked against the results of the field investigation. We are also continuing security measures to maintain a conducive situation in Dekai and provide a sense of security for the community,” said the Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026.
The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, together with the Yahukimo Police, urges residents of Dekai and surrounding areas to remain calm while staying vigilant, particularly at night. Residents who have finished their activities outside are also advised to ensure that their kiosks or business premises are properly closed and locked.
As of now, investigations into the stabbing and fire remain ongoing. The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, together with the Yahukimo Police, continues to take investigative and security measures to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible based on verifiable facts and admissible evidence.
