Government Deploys Damai Cartenz Task Force to Hunt Suspects in Dekai Hospital Worker Stabbing, Suspected Armed Group Links Under Investigation

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YAHUKIMO, PAPUA HIGHLANDS — Law enforcement authorities, through the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force and Yahukimo Police, are continuing to investigate the stabbing of LM, a 32-year-old contract worker in the radiology department of Dekai Regional General Hospital. Security authorities are working to identify and apprehend the two suspected attackers while investigating possible links to the Kodap XVI Yahukimo armed group led by Kopi Tua Heluka. Indonesian authorities refer to such groups as Kelompok Kriminal Bersenjata (KKB), or armed criminal groups.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time, behind a kiosk near the teachers' residential complex of SMA Negeri 1 Dekai. The victim sustained two stab wounds and was taken to hospital for medical treatment. Following the report, officers examined the scene, collected witness statements, secured physical evidence, and expanded their investigation to identify and pursue the suspects.

Damai Cartenz Task Force and Yahukimo Police Investigate the Attack

Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Public Relations Task Force Chief, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, explained that the victim was sitting behind a kiosk when two unidentified individuals suddenly attacked him with a sharp weapon. The attack, reportedly carried out from the victim's left side and from behind, caused stab wounds to the left side of his abdomen and his right back.

The victim reportedly shouted for help and attempted to defend himself before the attackers fled. Residents who heard his cries rushed to assist him and transported him to Dekai Regional General Hospital. Authorities subsequently responded by examining the crime scene and conducting preliminary inquiries to gather information about the attack.

The response forms part of law enforcement efforts to investigate the violence and identify those responsible. According to police information, the victim's condition was reported to be stable after receiving medical treatment, although he remained under medical supervision.

Suspected Links to the Kodap XVI Yahukimo Armed Group Under Investigation

During the initial investigation, authorities gathered information about the physical characteristics of the two suspected attackers. Based on their preliminary assessment of the incident and the available information, police suspect that the individuals may be connected to the Kodap XVI Yahukimo armed group led by Kopi Tua Heluka.

The Damai Cartenz Task Force and Yahukimo Police are continuing to investigate this possibility, identify the suspects, and establish whether they have links to the armed group. However, the suspected connection remains under investigation and must be established through witness statements and legally admissible evidence.

A thorough investigation is necessary to ensure that the case progresses beyond preliminary suspicions and that those responsible can be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Authorities have also encouraged residents to provide relevant information that could help investigators solve the case.

Physical Evidence Collected to Help Identify the Suspects

During the crime-scene examination, officers reportedly found a sharp-weapon handle and a pair of sandals in the surrounding area. Both items were secured as evidence for further examination.

In addition to collecting physical evidence, officers cordoned off the scene, searched the surrounding area, and interviewed witnesses. Information gathered during these activities is being used to reconstruct the sequence of events, investigate the motive, and identify possible leads regarding the suspects' identities and whereabouts.

The case was registered under Police Report Number LP/B/57/X/2026/SPKT/Polres Yahukimo/Polda Papua, dated October 23, 2026. Investigators are continuing their work to strengthen the evidence and ensure that the case is handled in accordance with applicable legal procedures.

Government Emphasizes Law Enforcement and Civilian Protection

Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Chief, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that the case would be handled professionally and based on facts and evidence in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Commissioner Ardiansyah Daulay, urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any leads related to the incident.

The investigation and pursuit of the suspects form part of the authorities' responsibility to respond to violence and maintain public safety. In Yahukimo, protecting civilians is particularly important to ensure that residents can work, access healthcare, and carry out their daily activities without the threat of violence.

Authorities have also urged the public not to be provoked into taking matters into their own hands. Any information received should be handled through established legal procedures, ensuring that the investigation remains evidence-based and respects the rule of law while protecting the community.

Resolving the Case Is Key to Restoring Public Confidence in Yahukimo

The stabbing of a Dekai Regional General Hospital worker has drawn attention because the victim is a civilian employed in the delivery of healthcare services. Violence against healthcare workers and other public service employees can create fear and disrupt essential services on which local communities depend.

For this reason, efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators are important both for law enforcement and for civilian protection. The government, through its security authorities, is expected to ensure that the investigation proceeds professionally, transparently, and on the basis of evidence so that anyone proven responsible can be held accountable under the law.

According to information provided by authorities as of October 26, 2026, investigators were still examining witness statements and physical evidence to establish the suspects' identities and the motive for the attack. The suspected links to the Kodap XVI Yahukimo armed group also remained under investigation.

Location: Australia

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