Cartenz Task Force Captures KKB Commander Philip Kobak in Yahukimo
The Task Force (Satgas) for the Peaceful Operation Cartenz has apprehended Philip Kobak, a commander of an armed criminal group (Kelompok Kriminal Bersanjata – KKB) in the Yahukimo Kodap XVI region.
Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, Head of Public Relations for the Peaceful Operation Cartenz, stated that Philip Kobak was captured by a law enforcement and criminal investigation team on Saturday, 7 March at 16:44 WIT in the area of the GIDI Church at Kali Brasa, Dekai, Yahukimo.
Yusuf explained that the apprehension began when the law enforcement team detected the suspect at a junction on John Banua Street, Dekai. Officers pursued the suspect who fled towards the Church at Kali Brasa area.
“Upon becoming aware of the presence of officials, the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled towards the forest. After a sweep operation was conducted, the suspect was finally secured at 16:44 WIT,” Yusuf stated in a written statement on Tuesday, 10 March.
Following the arrest, investigators conducted a search of the suspect’s residence and several other locations suspected of being KKB hideouts in the Yahukimo area.
He added that preliminary investigation findings revealed that Philip Kobak, also known as Nenak Kobak, was the Operational Commander of Kimbusa Company, Kodap XVI Yahukimo.
Within the group’s structure, he is suspected of playing a role in the group’s operational activities and being involved in several violent acts in the Yahukimo area.
“The suspect is also suspected of involvement in several violent acts, including the stabbing of Muhammad Sharif on 11 January 2026 and the burning of SMK Negeri 2 Dekai on 14 February 2026,” he said.
During the apprehension, officers also seized several pieces of evidence including 4 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, 2 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, iron spikes, a bow and 31 arrows, 4 machetes, 3 axes, 1 cutlass, 2 kitchen knives, 1 round of 5.56 mm ammunition, and 45 spent cartridges of 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm ammunition.
“The suspect has been secured and the investigation process is ongoing to further examine his involvement in various other incidents,” he concluded.