YAHUKIMO – The 2026 Operasi Damai Cartenz Task Force continues to expand its investigation into a series of armed violence incidents that occurred in Kabupaten Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan. Following the securing of several individuals last week, authorities have revealed the alleged involvement of multiple names in a number of shootings and killings that took place from 2023 through early 2026.
Head of Public Relations for Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, stated that one individual previously unidentified, Meno Kogoya, has now been confirmed as being involved in several violent criminal acts. He further explained that three other individuals who had already been identified in earlier cases were found, after intensive examination and the assessment of additional evidence, to have expanded involvement in other criminal offenses.
“Based on the development of our investigation, Meno Kogoya was involved in the murder of two gold miners on September 20, 2025; the shooting of an armored Hilux vehicle on September 22, 2025; the shooting of a white Avanza on December 29, 2025; and the shooting of a Hercules aircraft on January 14, 2026,” he told reporters during a media doorstep interview on March 2.
Authorities also disclosed the involvement of three other suspects whose cases have developed further. One of them is Kotor Payage, also known as Kotoran Giban, whose case has been transferred to Polda Papua for further handling.
He is suspected of involvement in the shooting of a white Strada vehicle in March 2024; the shooting of Sergeant Major (Serka) Segar Mulyana on June 16, 2025; the shooting of a white Avanza on December 29, 2025; the shooting of a Hercules aircraft at Bandara Nop Goliat Dekai on January 14, 2026; and the shooting of a box truck at Kilometer 7 Logpon on January 30, 2026.
Another name mentioned was Enage Heluka, who is suspected of being involved in recording a statement video following a shooting incident on February 12, 2026. Meanwhile, Homi Heluka is alleged to have a longer record of involvement, including the burning of a police vehicle on Jalan Statistik in 2023, a murder at Kali Silet on February 11, 2024, and the shooting of a truck driver on Jalan Logpon on February 12, 2026. The victim in the most recent incident survived and received medical treatment at Bhayangkara Hospital of the Papua Regional Police.
According to Yusuf, these findings are the result of intensive and ongoing investigative and prosecutorial efforts carried out by the joint team.
Responding to the developments, Chief of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Brigadier General of Police Faizal Ramadhani, emphasized that authorities will continue to enforce the law firmly and in a measured manner against all perpetrators of armed violence who disrupt security stability in Papua.
“We are committed to resolving every act of violence that disturbs the community. Law enforcement is carried out professionally, proportionally, and based on evidence to ensure legal certainty and guarantee a sense of security for residents,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Senior Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, added that in addition to armed criminal groups, authorities are also investigating the activities of groups categorized as political criminal groups.
“This group not only commits acts of violence but also disseminates narratives and documentation of their actions through social media. We are currently conducting in-depth profiling and will take legal action against those involved,” he said.
Alongside law enforcement efforts, security forces continue to intensify patrols at vulnerable locations and times, as well as mapping suspected bases of activity. These measures are aimed at preventing further escalation of violence and maintaining public security and order in Yahukimo and its surrounding areas.
