Yahukimo, Papua Highlands – Wednesday night, May 28, 2025 — Another act of violence has erupted in the Yahukimo region. A police officer from the Yahukimo Police Department, Bripda Josua Ridwan Oberlin Nainggolan (22), became the victim of an assault by an unidentified person at the Dekai Regional Hospital (RSUD Dekai) around 8:55 PM local time (WIT).
According to an official report from the Law Enforcement Task Unit (Satgas Gakkum) of the Cartenz Peace Operation 2025 – Yahukimo Unit, a team led by IPDA Balthazar Tuhumury immediately responded after receiving radio communication (HT) from personnel about the incident. Upon arrival at the scene, the team secured the area, conducted a crime scene investigation, and gathered witness statements.
The victim sustained multiple serious injuries.
Bripda Josua remains conscious and in stable condition, and is currently receiving intensive medical care at Dekai Hospital.
Based on the statement from the first witness, Bripda Randy M. Depondoye, the victim had earlier asked to be dropped off at Dekai Hospital to visit his girlfriend, who was being treated there. After being dropped off, Josua was seen speaking briefly with three local Papuan (OAP) youths. Shortly after the witness returned to the station, news of the assault was received.
A second witness inside the hospital reported hearing someone scream for help and then saw the victim running with visible injuries before being brought into the emergency room.
Chief of the 2025 Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., accompanied by Deputy Commander Kombes Pol. Adarma Sinaga, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that this case is a top priority and the perpetrator will be pursued until apprehended.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence against members of the National Police carrying out their duties. Our team has been deployed to identify and arrest the assailant, and we are committed to ensuring the legal process is enforced firmly. We will continue to maintain a stable and secure environment in Yahukimo,” stated Brig. Gen. Faizal Ramadhani.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations for the Cartenz Peace Operation, Kombes Pol. Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., called on the public to remain calm and support the legal process.
“We urge the people of Yahukimo not to be swayed by rumors and to fully trust the police in handling this case. The National Police is here to provide protection and a sense of security to all citizens, and we are working hard to maintain peace and stability in Papua, especially in Yahukimo,” said Kombes Pol. Yusuf Sutejo.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing. The Cartenz Peace Operation team, in coordination with local police units, is continuing to develop leads obtained in the field in an effort to track down the perpetrator.
