Two Civilian Gaharu Collectors Killed by Unknown Perpetrators in Yahukimo, Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz Launches Intensive Investigation

Yahukimo – The Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz, together with the Yahukimo District Police, is conducting an intensive investigation into the killing of two gaharu wood collectors by a group of Unknown Perpetrators (OTK) at a camp in Bor Village, Sumo District, Yahukimo Regency, on Saturday (29/11/2025) at around 18:05 WIT.

Victim Identities

Deceased Victims:

Sugianto (43)

Hardiyanto (39)

Survivors:

Nur Asyah (wife of the late Sugianto)

Alias (relative of Nur Asyah)

According to witness E, he received a phone call from one of the survivors, Alias, at around 18:05 WIT, reporting an attack on the gaharu workers at the Bor Village Camp. The victims had reportedly lived and worked at the location for approximately five years along with their families.

Alias explained that earlier that afternoon, a group of unidentified individuals arrived at the camp and immediately launched an attack using sharp weapons. The victims attempted to escape with their families, but two of them were unable to flee and were killed.

At 21:30 WIT, Alias contacted witness E again and informed him that the bodies of the two deceased victims were being evacuated using a fiber boat from Bor Village to Agats City, Asmat Regency, a journey estimated to take around seven hours.

All four victims are members of the same family residing in Agats City, Asmat Regency. In addition to working as gaharu collectors, the family also operated a small grocery kiosk in Bor Village. As of now, both the survivors and the deceased victims have been successfully evacuated to Agats City.

The Head of Peace Operation Cartenz, Brigadier General of Police (Brigjen Pol.) Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., stated that personnel have been deployed to conduct an in-depth investigation at the scene.

“Our team has begun a series of investigative actions, including gathering witness testimonies, examining the crime scene, and expanding information related to the perpetrators and the motive. We are committed to solving this case and ensuring the safety of the public,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Chief Commissioner of Police (Kombes Pol.) Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum, Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz, stressed the importance of enhancing security presence in vulnerable areas.

“Patrols and monitoring of public movement routes have been intensified. We continue to coordinate closely with the Yahukimo District Police to maintain security and stability following the incident,” he said.

Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz expressed its deepest condolences for the loss of the two victims in this tragic event. The task force hopes that the bereaved family will be granted strength and fortitude and that the victims may rest peacefully. The task force also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the perpetrators until they are apprehended and brought to justice.