DPO KKB Puncak Yekis Wanimbo alias Salahmakan Tabuni Arrested in Mimika, Firearm Ownership Uncovered
Timika – The Joint Task Force Gakkum and Intel Task Force of Operation Damai Cartenz successfully arrested the Wanted Person (DPO) of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) Puncak, named Yekis Wanimbo alias Salahmakan Tabuni, who was involved in the arson attack on PT. Unggul Camp in Mundidok Village, Puncak Regency, Papua, in 2021.
The arrest was made on Tuesday (June 10, 2025) at 14:35 WIT in Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province. The suspect was immediately taken to the Gakkum Post in Timika for intensive interrogation.
Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., Commander of Damai Cartenz, accompanied by Deputy Commander of Damai Cartenz, Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., stated that this arrest is part of the Indonesian Police’s commitment to enforce the law against armed criminals in Papua.
“Salahmakan Tabuni is part of the KKB group led by Numbuk Telenggen. He actively participated in the arson of vital facilities owned by PT. Unggul in Puncak in 2021,” Brigadier General Faizal explained.
According to the investigation, Salahmakan was seen with Beniku Tabuni and Alenus Tabuni during the arson, pouring petrol on the building and setting it ablaze with a match.
The suspect, whose full name is Yekis Wanimbo, was born in Ilaga on February 1, 1994, and resides in Walani Village, Kwamki Narama. Besides working as a farmer, he is also known to actively pan gold in Kali Kuluk, Tembagapura District, with the proceeds allegedly used to fund KKB activities, including purchasing firearms.
During the arrest, authorities confiscated several important pieces of evidence:
1 firearm, a Pindad revolver with serial number AE S 030190
1 bag bearing the Bintang Kejora (Morning Star) symbol
1 photograph with a red background featuring the late Nanditer Waker (Head of Walani Village)
Cash in denominations of Rp100,000, Rp10,000, and metal coins
A bank savings book in the suspect’s name with Bank Papua
2 bundles of gold from gold panning
2 mobile phones (Nokia and Vivo)
A wallet containing personal documents and stamps
From the investigation, it was also revealed that on Monday (June 9, 2025), Salahmakan planned to move to Timika and changed his appearance by shaving his hair and beard to avoid identification.
In the process of developing the firearms case, authorities successfully recovered the revolver owned by the suspect in Utikini Village, Tembagapura District, which was subsequently taken to the Mimika Gakkum Post on Wednesday (June 11, 2025) at 05:03 WIT.
In an initial interrogation, the suspect admitted to participating in the arson, though he claimed he only assisted without setting the fire himself. He also acknowledged purchasing the revolver for Rp30 million without ammunition.
Public Relations Officer of Ops Damai Cartenz, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., conveyed that the Indonesian Police operate under the applicable laws and regulations. In law enforcement, a persuasive approach is always prioritized.
“If there is no resistance during the arrest, then a persuasive effort becomes the priority. However, if the officers are attacked, then firm action in the form of return fire is a lawful self-defense measure,” explained Commissioner Yusuf.
He also urged the community not to be influenced by propaganda from armed groups and to continue supporting the authorities in maintaining security in Papua.
“This success could not have happened without the participation of the community. We hope this cooperation continues to create a safe and peaceful Papua,” he concluded.
Currently, the Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force is still investigating the suspect’s involvement in weapons distribution networks and other KKB funding activities. Further examination will serve as the basis for developing the network of armed groups led by Numbuk Telenggen.
