Gunfight in Yahukimo Kills Three Armed Criminal Group Members, Police Still Hunting Fugitive Ronal Heluka

The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force reported that a gunfight in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, resulted in the deaths of three members of an armed criminal group (KKB) on Friday, 17 July 2026. The police are still pursuing the group’s leader, Ronal Heluka, who is on the wanted list.

Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that the contact occurred at KM 4 Logpon, Dekai District, around 05:45 WIT. The operation was based on investigation results and intelligence information regarding the whereabouts of the armed group led by Ronal Heluka. When officers moved to take action, the KKB members resisted, leading to a firefight.

“Officers moved quickly to take firm and measured action to ensure public safety,” Yusuf said in a statement on Saturday, 18 July 2026. The three deceased individuals were identified as Roni Rubis, Kumis Passae, and Orgenes Bayage, who were part of the KKB Kodam XVI Yahukimo Yamue Battalion.

In addition to neutralising the three members, police seized a significant cache of evidence, including three firearms, 43 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, two axes, two long-bladed sharp weapons, an Icom handy talky, a firearm suppressor, and seven mobile phones of various brands. Four individuals with the initials OH, SM, MM, and LM were also detained for questioning. Yusuf stressed that the law enforcement operation was strictly targeted at the armed criminal perpetrators and did not target the civilian population.