Yahukimo – The Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 has intensified its law enforcement efforts in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua, following the arrest of a man suspected of having links to an armed criminal group operating in the region.
During the operation, joint personnel of Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 secured a man identified as YB (34), who is suspected of serving as the Deputy Battalion Commander of HSSBI Kodap XVI Yahukimo. He was arrested 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.
The arrest was further developed through a series of investigations and a search operation conducted at a house in the Kali Merah area of Dekai City on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) at around 4:50 p.m. local time.
During the search, officers discovered a number of items suspected to be related to armed group activities, including various calibers of ammunition, spent bullet casings, sharp weapons, an air rifle, and several components allegedly used for firearm assembly.
The confiscated evidence included 5.56 mm ammunition, 9 mm rounds, .38 caliber ammunition, several spent bullet casings, bayonet knives, machetes, axes, an iron slingshot, a camouflage-pattern air rifle, as well as several 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 Yahukimo.
Investigators also revealed YB’s alleged involvement alongside several HSSBI members in a number of violent incidents in the region, including the alleged production of a statement video following the shooting attack on 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., emphasized that the operation was part of the authorities’ commitment to maintaining security stability 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 added that security personnel would continue carrying out professional and measured law enforcement efforts.
“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 stated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Kombes Pol. Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., stated that investigators are continuing to question the detained individuals in order to uncover possible wider networks.
“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 help maintain security and public order and not to be easily 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., stated that the case development represented an important step in preventing potential security disturbances that could threaten public safety.
“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 explained.
He also urged the public to remain wise in responding to information and to work together in maintaining a safe and conducive environment.
“We urge the public to be wise in receiving information and to work together in maintaining a safe and conducive security situation,” he concluded.
