Four OPM Members Killed in Yahukimo Clash as Cartenz Task Force Seizes Firearm and Ammunition

 

YAHUKIMO, PAPUA HIGHLANDS — Four members of an armed group identified by Indonesian authorities as part of the Eden Sawi Battalion of Kodap XVI Yahukimo were killed during an armed clash with security personnel in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands.

The incident occurred on September 1, 2026, when personnel from the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force and the Yahukimo Police moved to investigate information about the planned gathering of members of the armed group.

Authorities subsequently secured a homemade firearm, ammunition and several mobile phones, while six people were taken into custody for further questioning.

Operation Began After Intelligence Information

The operation followed information obtained by security personnel regarding the planned gathering of members of the Eden Sawi Battalion at a temporary house near the former KPU office on Miyaro Street, Dekai District.

Joint personnel then moved toward the location.

At approximately 4:35 p.m. local time, officers arrived in the area and reportedly came under gunfire from people inside the location.

According to the security task force, officers initially issued warning shots into the air. When the shooting allegedly continued, security personnel responded with measured action.

Four People Killed in the Exchange of Fire

Following the exchange of gunfire, officers found four members of the group dead.

The bodies were subsequently evacuated to Dekai Regional Hospital (RSUD Dekai) for examination and identification.

Head of the Public Information Division of Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, said three of the four bodies had been identified using the initials EH, also known as E; YK, also known as LY; and M.

The identity of the fourth individual was still being verified.

Investigators also used facial registration technology as part of the identification process.

Firearm and Ammunition Seized

Security personnel conducted a search of the surrounding area following the clash.

Among the items secured were:

• One homemade long-barreled firearm
• 11 rounds of 5.56-millimeter ammunition
• Three mobile phones

The items were taken into custody as evidence for further investigation.

Authorities are examining the evidence to determine the activities of the group and whether the weapons may have been connected to other security incidents in Yahukimo.

Six People Taken Into Custody

Six people were also taken into custody during the operation.

They were identified by the initials BK, PM, DH, NJK, PA and AS.

The six were brought to the Yahukimo Police headquarters for questioning regarding their identities, activities, roles and possible links to the armed group.

Authorities stressed that their legal status had not yet been determined and that the investigation was still underway.

Police Continue to Verify Their Roles

Yusuf Sutejo emphasized that investigators were still examining the involvement of each individual who had been taken into custody.

The approach allows authorities to establish the facts through investigation and evidence before determining any further legal status.

Investigators are also examining the group’s structure, activities and possible connections to previous security-related cases in Yahukimo.

Investigation Linked to Earlier Yahukimo Cases

The operation is also part of broader investigations into a number of criminal and security incidents in Yahukimo.

Authorities are examining possible links to the killing of Yonathan Arruan and Asri Obet on Statistik Street, Dekai District, in April 2023.

Investigators have also been examining an attack involving health workers and teachers in Anggruk District in March 2025.

The cases remain part of the authorities’ wider efforts to investigate violence and armed activity in the region.

Authorities Prioritize Public Safety

Head of Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Inspector General of Police Faizal Ramadhani, said the operation formed part of law-enforcement efforts against armed groups believed to be involved in criminal activities.

Security authorities have also called on residents in Yahukimo to remain calm and avoid spreading information that has not been verified.

Maintaining public order is considered essential to ensuring that residents can continue their daily activities safely.

Law Enforcement and Protection of Civilians

The operation in Dekai demonstrates the continued efforts of Indonesian security authorities to respond to armed activity in Yahukimo while developing information through law-enforcement investigations.

In addition to securing weapons and ammunition, officers brought several individuals in for questioning, allowing investigators to further examine the group’s activities and potential connections.

At the same time, authorities have emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and maintaining stability so that local communities can continue their daily activities.

Government Maintains Security Efforts in Yahukimo

The clash in Dekai resulted in four people identified by authorities as members of the Eden Sawi Battalion being killed, while security personnel secured a homemade firearm, 11 rounds of ammunition and three mobile phones.

Six other people were taken into custody for questioning as investigators continue to establish their respective roles.

The Indonesian government, through its security authorities, continues to emphasize law enforcement, public safety and stability as priorities in Yahukimo.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to use the evidence and information collected during the operation to determine the broader network and activities associated with armed groups in the area.