Jayapura – Papua Regional Police Chief Inspector General Patrige Renwarin reported that 29 people have died due to incidents involving armed criminal groups (KKB) in Highland Papua Province between January and September 2026.
“During that period, 76 incidents—including shootings, arson, firefights, assaults, road blockades, hostage-taking, intimidation, and the seizure of firearms—were recorded as being perpetrated by the KKB,” Patrige said during a coordination meeting on public security and order with the Highland Papua Provincial Government in Wamena on Wednesday.
Of the 29 fatalities, 25 were civilians, while two were TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) personnel and two were Polri (Indonesian National Police) officers.
Patrige stated that an evaluation revealed a total of 642 security-related incidents in Highland Papua Province during the same period.
He noted that this situation is a matter of concern, particularly regarding efforts to enhance public protection and maintain security stability in the Highland Papua region.
Addressing public security issues, he added, requires the involvement of all stakeholders.
The Papua Regional Police, together with the Operation Damai Cartenz-2026 Task Force, continue to enforce the law firmly, professionally, and proportionately, while prioritizing a humanistic approach through the Binmas Noken program.
“Security issues cannot be handled by law enforcement alone; collaboration among the National Police, the military, local government, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community figures is essential to collectively create a safe and conducive environment,” he said.
The Papua Regional Police and stakeholders will also continue to strengthen security measures and patrols along routes deemed vulnerable, such as Wamena–Tolikara, Wamena–Yalimo, Wamena–Lanny Jaya, and Wamena–Nduga.
Additionally, community engagement is being strengthened through the Binmas Noken program, which includes youth development initiatives and the provision of healthcare services. “The Papua Regional Police and the Highland Papua Provincial Government are committed to strengthening coordination and formulating joint response measures that prioritize public protection, law enforcement, and a humanitarian approach, all to foster security, peace, and the continuity of public services in Highland Papua,” said Patrige.
Highland Papua Governor John Tabo stated that the handling of criminal cases by law enforcement officials has adhered to established procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Therefore, the coordination meeting aims to establish communication and strategic measures in collaboration with the local government so that various security issues can be addressed promptly.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the current security dynamics, as there have been many casualties—not only among security personnel but also among unarmed civilians—and this constitutes a profound humanitarian tragedy,” said John Tabo.
The coordination meeting on public order and security was attended by regents from the eight regencies of Highland Papua Province: Jayawijaya, Central Mamberamo, Lanny Jaya, Tolikara, Yalimo, Pegunungan Bintang, Nduga, and Yahukimo.
