44 Gold Miners Evacuated from Kawe, Pegubin Following KKB Attack, Authorities Strengthen Security Along Evacuation Routes in Papua

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Pegunungan Bintang, Papua Highlands — A total of 44 gold miners were successfully evacuated from the Kawe area in Awimbon District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Highlands, following a security disturbance involving an armed criminal group (KKB). The evacuation was carried out via the Digoel River route to Boven Digoel Regency in South Papua under the protection of security personnel.

The evacuation was conducted as part of efforts to safeguard civilians located in the affected area. Joint TNI and Polri personnel, together with local government authorities, moved swiftly to ensure the miners could leave the location safely and receive assistance upon their arrival in Boven Digoel.

The successful evacuation operation demonstrated the authorities’ commitment to protecting civilians amid growing concerns following attacks by armed groups in remote areas of the Papua Highlands.

Chronology of the Gold Miners’ Evacuation

According to security officials, the gold miners left Kawe Village in Awimbon District after concerns emerged regarding the activities of OPM-affiliated armed groups operating in the area. They then traveled along the river route using three longboats toward Tanah Merah Port in Boven Digoel Regency.

Upon arriving at Kouh District Port, the miners received security protection, registration assistance, and support from personnel of the Kouh Sector Police and Boven Digoel Police before continuing their journey to Iwot Port in Tanah Merah.

The first group, consisting of 33 individuals, arrived earlier and was transported by vehicles provided by the Boven Digoel Police in cooperation with the Indonesia–Papua New Guinea Border Security Task Force. Of that number, two individuals received medical treatment at Boven Digoel Regional Hospital, while the remaining 31 were taken to the Boven Digoel Police headquarters for registration and temporary accommodation.

Later, a second group of 11 miners arrived in the afternoon. Nine were escorted to the Boven Digoel Police headquarters, while two others received medical attention at the regional hospital. Overall, all 44 miners were successfully evacuated without further incident.

Authorities Provide Assistance and Humanitarian Support

In addition to conducting the evacuation, security personnel provided humanitarian assistance, including registration services, transportation, medical examinations, and temporary shelter for the miners arriving from the affected area.

The Chief of Boven Digoel Police and joint security personnel ensured that the entire process proceeded safely, orderly, and efficiently. These efforts were aimed at helping the evacuees recover and prepare to reunite with their families.

Authorities emphasized that the safety and protection of civilians remain the highest priority in all security operations conducted throughout Papua.

Security Along Transportation Routes and Border Areas Strengthened

Following the evacuation, security authorities increased coordination with TNI units and local governments to strengthen protection along transportation routes connecting border regions and remote areas of South Papua.

The Habema Joint Regional Defense Command (Koops Habema) also stated that it continues to enhance security measures to maintain stability and prevent further disturbances in both Papua Highlands and South Papua.

Additional patrols and monitoring activities have been intensified as preventive measures to ensure that residents can continue their daily activities in a safe and secure environment.

Government Strengthens Stability and Protection for Papuan Communities

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government continues to strengthen both security and development initiatives as part of broader efforts to maintain stability in Papua. In addition to enhancing protection for communities affected by security disturbances, the government is accelerating infrastructure development, education programs, healthcare services, and local economic empowerment initiatives.

The government emphasized that the state’s presence in Papua is reflected not only through security measures but also through development programs designed to improve public welfare in a sustainable manner.

Through cooperation between security forces, regional administrations, community leaders, and local residents, the government hopes to further improve stability in Papua so that public activities and development programs can continue effectively.

Location: Australia

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