Yahukimo, Highland Papua – Another humanitarian tragedy has struck Papua. Eleven civilians who were panning for gold in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua, are strongly suspected to have been murdered by an Armed Criminal Group (KKB) identifying themselves as Kodap XVI Yahukimo and Kodap III Ndugama.
The incident took place between April 6 and 7, 2025, in the gold panning areas of Location 22 and Muara Kum in Yahukimo Regency. Initial information came in on the night of April 7, 2025, and was later confirmed by the testimony of one survivor who is now seeking refuge in Mabul Village, Koroway District, Asmat Regency.
According to the information received, the victims suffered slash wounds, gunshot injuries, and arrow wounds. Of the 11 people who died, six have been identified: Aidil, Sahruddin, Ipar Stenli, Wawan, Feri, and Bungsu. The remaining five are still being identified.
Thirty-five other miners managed to escape and are currently under the protection of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Police (TNI-Polri) in Mabul Village, Koroway District, Asmat Regency. In addition, eight others were reportedly separated from the group and their whereabouts are still unknown. Two more civilians, a local community leader named Dani and his wife Gebi, are believed to be held hostage by the KKB.
On Wednesday morning, April 9, 2025, twelve gold miners who managed to flee arrived at Logpon Port, Dekai District, by speedboat.
The Chief of Operation Peace Cartenz 2025, Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., stated that a joint task force has been deployed to follow up on this incident.
“We strongly condemn this heinous act. This is not just an attack on innocent civilians but a clear violation of human rights. The Peace Cartenz Task Force will continue to hunt down the perpetrators and ensure the safety of residents in Papua,” he said.
The team deployed consists of 15 personnel from the Asmat Police Department and 11 joint personnel from the Enforcement and Legal Task Forces of Operation Peace Cartenz. The team is now in Mabul Village conducting witness interviews, gathering further information, and planning the victim evacuation operation.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Head of Operation Peace Cartenz 2025, Police Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., urged the public to stay calm and refrain from spreading unverified information.
“We ask everyone to not be provoked by hoaxes or rumors. Let’s work together to maintain public safety and security. Official updates will continue to be provided regularly, based on verified data and ongoing field investigations.”
The Peace Cartenz Task Force will pursue this case with measured and professional legal actions. In addition, the task force remains committed to protecting civilians from the threat of KKB to ensure ongoing stability and safety in Papua.
