YAHUKIMO – The Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Operation Task Force, together with the Yahukimo Police, is handling a suspected aggravated assault resulting in the death of a resident identified by the initials J.W., also known as U. (42), in Key-Key Village, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua Province, on Friday (November 13, 2026). The victim was reportedly employed as a timber saw operator and was found dead near the camp where he worked.
The incident reportedly began at around 12:00 p.m. WIT, when a resident who was working in a garden heard three gunshots coming from the direction of the victim’s camp. The witness then returned to the village to report what had happened. Knowing that the victim lived alone at the camp, the witness, accompanied by two other residents, went to the location to check on his condition. Upon arrival, they found the victim lying outside the camp, deceased, with several serious injuries to his body.
Deputy Head of Public Relations for the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force, AKBP Andria, S.I.K., told the media on Saturday (November 14) that, after receiving a report from the public at around 3:00 p.m. WIT, joint personnel from the Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Operation Task Force and Yahukimo Police immediately proceeded to the scene. However, while en route, personnel heard gunshots and came under fire from a group suspected of being an armed criminal group.
“Once the situation was declared safe, personnel immediately proceeded to the location to handle the incident. Upon arrival, officers conducted a crime scene investigation, collected evidence and physical exhibits, and interviewed several witnesses who had knowledge of or had heard about the incident,” the Deputy Head of Public Relations explained.
During the operation at the scene, officers secured the area, took photographs, conducted a sweep, and documented traces and physical evidence. One of the items recovered was a torn pair of black shorts. After the crime scene investigation and initial procedures were completed, the victim’s body was evacuated to Dekai Regional General Hospital (RSUD Dekai) for medical examination and a post-mortem examination.
The medical examination revealed multiple open wounds, bruises, and abrasions on the victim’s head, face, chest, hands, thighs, and both legs. The examination also recorded fractures to the nose, left arm, thigh, and both lower legs, as well as severe injuries to the head, face, and right side of the chest. The medical findings, together with evidence collected at the scene, will serve as the basis for further investigation to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
In connection with the case, Yahukimo Police have issued Police Report Number LP/B/61/XI/2026/SPKT/POLRES YAHUKIMO/POLDA PAPUA, dated November 13, 2026, concerning an alleged premeditated murder. In handling the case, investigators have listed Article 459 in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP) as the primary charge, and Article 458 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of the same law as the subsidiary charge. The application of these legal provisions remains subject to the results of the investigation and the establishment of evidence in accordance with applicable law.
Regarding the suspected perpetrators, Deputy Head of Public Relations AKBP Andria, S.I.K., stated that preliminary information points to the Kodap XVI Yahukimo Armed Criminal Group (KKB). Nevertheless, this allegation still requires further investigation and verification through the legal process.
“Based on preliminary information, the suspected perpetrators are believed to be associated with the Kodap XVI Yahukimo Armed Criminal Group. However, this matter is still under investigation. We continue to gather witness statements and evidence to clarify the case, identify the perpetrators, and bring those responsible to justice,” the Deputy Head of Public Relations added.
Following the incident, the Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Operation Task Force expressed its deepest condolences and sympathy to the victim’s family. The Task Force also urged the public, particularly residents of Yahukimo Regency, to remain calm and avoid being provoked by unverified information or rumors.
“We encourage the community to work together to maintain security and provide even the smallest piece of information that could assist in solving this case. We guarantee the confidentiality of the identities of members of the public who provide information to the police. In principle, the Police and the community are committed to working together to keep Papua safe and peaceful,” the Deputy Head of Public Relations concluded.
Meanwhile, Head of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that the handling of this case is a serious priority and will continue to be carried out professionally, with a focus on facts and evidence.
“The incident resulting in the death of a civilian is a matter of serious concern to us. The Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Operation Task Force, together with the Yahukimo Police, has responded to the incident, evacuated the victim, and conducted a crime scene investigation. We will continue to examine every piece of information and gather evidence to identify those responsible for this incident,” stated the Head of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation.
To date, the Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Operation Task Force, together with the Yahukimo Police, continues to pursue the investigation and criminal inquiry by questioning witnesses, examining the findings from the crime scene investigation and medical examination, and identifying individuals suspected of being involved.
All law enforcement procedures are being carried out professionally, based on facts and evidence, while prioritizing the protection and safety of the public throughout Papua.
