Armed Criminal Group Led by Aibon Kogoya Attacks Gold Mining Post in Nabire, Two Killed by Burning

Jayapura, VIVA — A post belonging to PT Kristalin located in Makimi, Nabire Regency, Central Papua, was attacked by an armed criminal group (KKB) led by Aibon Kogoya. Two people were killed in the incident.

“It is confirmed that the KKB carried out an attack on a post belonging to PT Kristalin, which operates in gold mining, resulting in two people killed by burning,” said Nabire Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Samuel Tatiratu on Saturday, 21 February 2026.

He acknowledged that his office had not yet been able to determine whether the victims were civilians or security personnel due to the severely damaged condition of the remains.

The attack was reported to have occurred at approximately 15:00 Eastern Indonesia Time, and a team from Nabire immediately proceeded to the scene, a journey of approximately one hour by four-wheeled vehicle.

Upon arriving at the scene, Samuel said, team members immediately secured residents and evacuated both bodies to Nabire for autopsy to confirm the victims’ identities.

When asked whether any firearms were missing, the Nabire Police Chief said he could not yet confirm as the matter was still under investigation.

“What is certain is that approximately 100 gold prospectors in the Legari area of Nabire have been evacuated to Legari for their safety,” he said.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the XVII Cenderawasih Military Command, Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Tri Purwanto, said his office was still awaiting the autopsy results for the victims of the KKB attack in Nabire.

“We cannot yet confirm whether the victims are members of the Indonesian Army or not, as we are still awaiting the autopsy results,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tri Purwanto.

Tri stated that his office had received reports regarding the attack carried out by the KKB.

“Law enforcement authorities have visited the scene and confirmed that the security situation in the area is conducive and safe. We are currently still awaiting the results of victim identification,” he said.