Cartenz Task Force Apprehends Priority Fugitive Homi Heluka in Yahukimo
The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force 2026 has apprehended two members of armed criminal groups (KKB) listed as priority fugitives in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan.
The two fugitives are Homi Heluka and Simak Kipka. Both are alleged to have played significant roles in a number of violent incidents in Yahukimo.
The head of the Cartenz Peace Operation 2026, Brigadier General Faisal Ramadhani, explained that Homi Heluka has a track record of alleged involvement in several criminal offences, including the shooting of a police officer on the road towards Logpon in 2022, which resulted in the victim’s death.
Further allegations include the burning of a Community Guidance Unit vehicle on Jalan Paradiso on 28 January 2025, and involvement in the murder of a gold panner in April 2025.
“The shooting of Kodim member Sergeant First Class Segar Mulyana on 16 June 2025, as well as the severe assault of a civilian and the shooting of a resident named Suwono on 12 February 2026,” Faisal said in a written statement on Saturday (21 February).
Meanwhile, he explained that Simak Kipka was arrested in connection with alleged involvement in the burning of a Mitsubishi Triton belonging to the head of Almadi Village on 18 February 2026 near the Yahukimo Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) offices.
The two suspects are currently being held at Yahukimo Police Station for intensive questioning and further investigation to uncover networks and the possible involvement of other perpetrators.
Rising trend of KKB violence
Faisal further explained that there has been a significant increase in security disturbances in Yahukimo.
The trend of violence committed by armed criminal groups has reportedly experienced a dramatic surge compared to the same period in the previous year.
According to the data presented, three security incidents were recorded during the January to February 2025 period. In the same period of 2026, however, that figure rose to 23 incidents by mid-February.
“There is a very significant situation and we had predicted this. The escalation has increased since the escape of Kopi Tua Heluka from Wamena Prison on 25 February 2025. Since then, security disturbances in Yahukimo have continued to show an upward trend,” he said.
Faisal stated that to restrict the movement of armed groups, the Cartenz Peace Task Force has massively increased personnel strength since the beginning of the year.
In January 2026, personnel numbers were increased from approximately 80 to 150. Subsequently, in February 2026, a further 50 personnel were added, bringing the total force deployed in Yahukimo to approximately 250.
“This reinforcement is focused on preventive measures and the pursuit of group members who are already on our wanted list,” he said.