Polri Provides Update on Evacuation, Autopsy, and Identification of Two Murder Victims by Armed Criminal Groups in Yahukimo
Yahukimo, Papua — The joint TNI-Polri (Indonesian National Police and Indonesian National Armed Forces) task force is intensifying its efforts in responding to the brutal murder of two victims by an armed criminal group (KKB) claiming to be part of the Kodap XVI Yahukimo and Kodap III Ndugama. The victims’ bodies were successfully evacuated from gold mining sites at Lokasi 22 and Muara Kum in Yahukimo District to the Dekai Regional Public Hospital (RSUD) on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at around 16:00 local time.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, an autopsy and identification process was carried out on the two bodies. The results of the autopsy revealed gruesome injuries.
The first victim, a male, was found wearing green boots, red socks, shorts, and a black long-sleeve shirt. He had severe facial injuries, a gash in his neck, a missing left cheek and lower neck, a stab wound on his left abdomen, and slashing wounds on his back.
The second victim, also male, was dressed in green boots, checkered white shorts covered by brown pants, and three layers of shirts. His injuries included a spear stab to the chest, an arrow lodged in his right abdomen, severed arms, a large gash on his neck, and multiple other bruises.
Dr. Glent M. Nurtanio, Director of Dekai Regional Public Hospital, confirmed the condition of the bodies upon their arrival at the hospital.
“The bodies arrived at RSUD Dekai at 15:30 local time on Thursday, April 10, 2025, and were immediately placed in the morgue. Upon initial examination, we found that the decomposition process had begun, marked by swelling, peeling skin, color changes, and the presence of larvae. This is due to bacterial gas emissions inside the body,” he explained.
He further added that the hospital faced challenges due to limited facilities, especially in refrigeration. “Therefore, autopsy procedures should be done as soon as possible, and the bodies must be buried to avoid the risk of infectious diseases that could spread,” Dr. Glent added.
The head of the Bhayangkara Hospital in Jayapura, AKBP Dr. Rommy Sebastian, M.Kes., M.H., CPM, reported that the identification process was carried out meticulously through the DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) operation.
“Regarding the bodies at RSUD Dekai, we have carried out the DVI operation in detail to ensure that the victims’ identities are confirmed accurately and will be handed over to their rightful families,” said Dr. Rommy.
He detailed two crucial steps in the identification process:
- Antemortem Data, which includes:
- Personal data of the victim during life
- Medical records and dental records
- Last known personal belongings (obtained from the family)
- Postmortem Data, which includes:
- External physical examination by Bhayangkara Jayapura forensic team
- Fingerprint collection
- Dental examination by forensic dentists
- Collection of samples for further laboratory tests
“Once the antemortem and postmortem data are matched, the victim’s identity will be confirmed, and the body will be handed over to the family. We will ensure that the process runs smoothly and orderly,” he added.
The Head of Public Relations for the Cartenz Peace Operation 2025, Kombes Pol. Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., also provided updates on other evacuation efforts.
“In addition to the two bodies that have been autopsied at RSUD Dekai, one body from Pegunungan Bintang has been evacuated to Boven Digoel. Another body was evacuated from Muara Kum to RSUD Dekai. Five more bodies remain in Binki, awaiting evacuation tomorrow due to adverse weather conditions. In total, nine bodies have been found,” said Kombes Yusuf.
Additionally, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 09:00 local time, Dusun Head Bapak Dani and his wife Ibu Geby, who had been held hostage by the KKB, were safely evacuated and arrived at Dekai Airport for a health check.
“This morning at 09:00 local time, Bapak Dani and Ibu Geby, who had been previously held hostage by the KKB, were evacuated and arrived safely at Dekai Airport where they underwent a health check,” Kombes Yusuf confirmed.
As of now, the joint TNI-Polri forces continue to pursue the perpetrators and remain on alert at several vulnerable points to ensure the safety of residents in Yahukimo and surrounding areas.
