Yahukimo – Personnel of the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 successfully arrested a man identified by the initials YB (34), who is suspected of serving as the Deputy Battalion Commander of HSSBI Kodap XVI Yahukimo, during a law enforcement operation in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua.
YB was apprehended by joint personnel of Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 on Monday (May 18, 2026) at approximately 3:42 p.m. Eastern Indonesia Time in the waiting area of Nop Goliat Dekai Airport, Yahukimo Regency.
Following further investigation and interrogation, officers conducted a search operation at a house located in the Kali Merah area of Dekai City on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) at around 4:50 p.m. local time.
During the search, authorities discovered and confiscated a number of pieces of evidence, including various calibers of ammunition, bullet casings, sharp weapons, an air rifle, and several components suspected to be related to firearm assembly activities.
The confiscated items included 5.56 mm ammunition, 9 mm ammunition, .38 caliber rounds, several spent bullet casings, bayonet knives, machetes, axes, an iron slingshot, a camouflage-pattern air rifle, as well as several firearm-related components such as triggers, iron trigger parts, hand grips, and communication equipment.
During the operation, officers also secured another individual identified as RK (27), also known as KK, who is suspected of being affiliated with the Yahukimo regional branch of the Komite Nasional Papua Barat (KNPB).
Based on preliminary examination results, investigators suspect that the ammunition discovered at YB’s residence belonged to the HSSBI group and was allegedly intended to support security disturbance activities in the Yahukimo area.
Investigators also revealed that YB is suspected of involvement alongside several HSSBI members in a series of violent incidents in the region, including the alleged production of a propaganda video statement following a shooting attack targeting a civilian vehicle near the entrance road to the Catholic Church in Yahukimo in April 2026.
Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Irjen Pol. Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., stated that the arrest was part of ongoing law enforcement efforts against groups suspected of involvement in armed security disturbances in Highland Papua.
“This operation is the result of investigative developments carried out by security personnel in Yahukimo. From the search operation, officers discovered a number of ammunition items and materials suspected to be linked to armed group activities. All findings are currently being further examined as part of the ongoing investigation,” said Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani.
He emphasized that authorities would continue carrying out professional and measured law enforcement actions to maintain security stability in the Highland Papua region.
“We are committed to enforcing the law professionally, proportionally, and in accordance with legal procedures against any parties suspected of involvement in security disturbance activities that have unsettled the public,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Kombes Pol. Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., stated that investigators are continuing to examine the network and possible involvement of additional parties.
“The team is currently conducting intensive examinations and further investigations into the individuals secured, including exploring possible links to several security disturbance incidents that occurred in Yahukimo,” said Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga.
He also urged the public to remain calm and avoid being influenced by unverified information.
“We encourage the public to help maintain public security and order, avoid provocation, and support the law enforcement process currently being carried out by authorities,” he said.
Separately, Deputy Head of Public Relations Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, AKBP Andria, S.I.K., confirmed on Wednesday (May 20) that the arrest and subsequent investigation were part of broader preventive measures against potential security threats in Yahukimo.
“Based on further investigation, officers successfully discovered several items of evidence suspected to be connected to armed group activities. All evidence is currently being analyzed by investigators to determine the possibility of involvement by other networks,” AKBP Andria stated.
He also appealed to the public to remain calm and not easily trust unverified information.
“We urge the public to be wise in receiving information and to work together in maintaining a safe and conducive security situation,” he said.
Authorities stated that the suspects are believed to have violated provisions related to the illegal possession and control of ammunition and weapons, as regulated under Articles 306 and 307 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code.
Investigators are also exploring the possible application of additional charges related to conspiracy, aiding criminal acts, and involvement in armed criminal groups based on the ongoing investigation.
The suspects face a maximum prison sentence of up to 15 years under applicable Indonesian law.
At present, Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 continues to conduct examinations and further investigations into both detained individuals to uncover possible wider armed group networks operating in Yahukimo Regency.
