DEKAI, PAPUA PEGUNUNGAN – Joint personnel from the Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Operation Task Force and Yahukimo Police have apprehended AD, also known as YH, and EH on Seradala Street, Yahukimo Regency. The two individuals were identified as members of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) operating in Yahukimo, specifically Kodap XVI Battalion Yamue under the leadership of Kopitua Heluka. They are suspected of involvement in the murder of A (46), which occurred on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The apprehension of the two individuals marks a development in the investigation into the murder in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency. The victim was killed while attempting to help unload groceries from a truck in the Blok B shop-house area of Dekai District. The victim sustained a stab wound to the back, which resulted in his death.
Head of Public Relations for the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., explained in an interview on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, that the two individuals were apprehended at approximately 5:31 a.m. WIT. During the arrest, officers used measured and proportionate force in response to resistance from the suspects.
“The suspects resisted when officers attempted to arrest them. Both were subdued through the use of firm and measured action,” the Head of Public Relations stated.
As a result of the incident, EH was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was handed over to his family. Meanwhile, AD, also known as YH, was subdued and taken to Dekai Regional General Hospital in Yahukimo Regency for medical treatment before further questioning.
“EH was also on the wanted list in connection with the murder of Yonathan Arruan and Asri Obet on April 30, 2023, on Statistik Street, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency,” the Head of Public Relations explained.
Meanwhile, AD, also known as YH, is suspected of involvement in the murder of a gold prospector named Saharuddin in the Kali Momo area on April 5, 2025. The case is recorded under Police Report Number LP/31/IV/2023/Papua/Res Yahukimo, dated April 10, 2025.
In addition to apprehending the two wanted individuals, officers also secured four other people identified by their initials: T.W. (38), E.H. (21), B.H. (17), and P.G. (21).
“The roles of these four individuals are currently being investigated to determine whether they are connected to acts of violence that have occurred in Yahukimo Regency,” the Head of Public Relations added.
The Head of Public Relations emphasized that, in accordance with the directives of National Police Chief General of Police Suyudi Ario Seto, the Indonesian National Police must consistently prioritize a humane approach when serving the public. However, the police will also take firm action against perpetrators of crime, particularly acts of violence that threaten public safety.
“We urge the public to remain calm and not be easily provoked by unverified information, particularly narratives circulated by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) claiming that civilian victims are intelligence personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) or the Indonesian National Police (Polri). I stress that these claims are false and constitute hoaxes,” the Head of Public Relations asserted.
“Once again, we seek the support and cooperation of everyone, because the police and the community must work together,” he added.
During the operation, officers also seized a number of items as evidence, including 12 arrows, 15 bamboo sticks, four machetes, one slingshot, one necklace featuring the Morning Star motif, one knife, one traditional noken bag, and five rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition. All evidence has been secured for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Head of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that public safety remains the top priority in addressing violent incidents in Yahukimo. He assured the public that every development in the case would be followed up through a professional legal process based on verifiable evidence.
“Public safety is our priority. The apprehension of two individuals suspected of being connected to this case is part of our efforts to uncover what happened. We will ensure that the investigation and law enforcement process are carried out professionally and objectively, based on facts and legally admissible evidence. We also urge the public to remain calm and work together to maintain security and stability in Yahukimo,” the Head of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation stated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Senior Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., stated that the investigation is ongoing to establish a clear account of the events and determine the respective roles of all parties suspected of being connected to the case.
“The handling of this case is ongoing. We will examine statements from the individuals who have been apprehended, cross-check them against witness statements, and review the supporting evidence that has been collected,” the Deputy Head of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation stated.
