Gunfight in Yahukimo: Four KKB Members Led by Eden Sawi Killed
The Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force shot dead four members of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Eden Sawi in Dekai, Yahukimo, Papua.
Head of the Damai Cartenz Task Force Operations, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that the action was taken by officers after discovering a planned consolidation of the Eden Sawi Battalion at a safehouse located near the old KPU Office on Miyaro Street, Dekai, Yahukimo, on Tuesday (1/9).
He explained that at approximately 4:35 PM WIT, joint personnel arrived at the location and were attacked by KKB members from the Eden Sawi group who were on guard.
Faizal noted that the team subsequently fired warning shots into the air, but these were ignored. Several KKB members fled towards the rear of the forest while carrying firearms and continued to fire at the personnel.
“Personnel issued warning shots, but the shooting continued. Consequently, decisive and measured action was taken,” he said in a written statement on Wednesday (2/9).
During the operation, Faizal stated that four members of the Eden Sawi Battalion died. The four bodies were evacuated to the Dekai Regional General Hospital for examination and further identification.
“Based on initial identification, three of the four deceased are known by the initials EH alias E, YK alias LY, and M. The identity of the fourth individual is still undergoing the identification process,” he added.
Following a search, officers also secured several pieces of evidence, including one improvised long-barreled firearm, 11 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and three mobile phones.
Furthermore, Faizal stated that six individuals suspected of being involved with the Eden Sawi Battalion were arrested, identified by the initials BK, PM, DH, NJK, PA, and AS.
The six individuals and the seized evidence were taken to the Yahukimo Police Station for interrogation and further investigation regarding their identities, activities, roles, and potential links to the armed group.
“The six individuals in custody are still being interrogated. We are still investigating their identities, activities, roles, and individual connections. The process is ongoing, and we will not rush to conclude their status before the investigation is complete,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations for the Damai Cartenz Operation, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that the action is part of law enforcement efforts against parties suspected of involvement in several criminal acts in the Yahukimo region.
One of these involves a wanted person list (DPO) related to the alleged murder of Yonathan Arruan and Asri Obet on 30 April 2023 in the Statistik area, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency.
Additionally, the operation is linked to alleged attacks on healthcare workers and teachers in the Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, between 21 and 22 March 2025.
Furthermore, he stated that security measures continue to be strengthened as an anticipatory step against potential further security disturbances. All measures are being taken with due regard for the safety of the public and personnel.
“This action is part of law enforcement against armed groups suspected of involvement in several criminal acts that threaten community security,” he said.