Joint task force arrests two more suspects in deadly attack on police in Katingan

A joint task force from the Central Kalimantan Regional Police has arrested two more men suspected of involvement in the attack on Katingan Police personnel during a narcotics operation. The two suspects, identified by their initials Y and L, were apprehended in Katingan Regency on Wednesday morning. With these latest arrests, the total number of suspects currently undergoing legal proceedings has risen to five. Katingan Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Dodik Hartono stated that intensive examinations are underway to determine the specific roles of the two individuals in the incident that resulted in the deaths of three officers. Investigators are continuing to develop the case to uncover the possible involvement of other perpetrators. The attack took place in the early hours of Thursday, 2 July, when the Katingan Police Narcotics Unit was conducting an enforcement operation targeting a suspected drug dealer in Tumbang Kalemei village. The operation met with resistance, allegedly involving sharp weapons, which led to the death of three police personnel in the line of duty. The investigation had led officers to a suspect with the initials BIO, a convicted drug offender. As officers moved to make the arrest, they were attacked with sharp weapons. Despite firing warning shots, the assault continued, forcing the officers to take measured action to protect themselves. The situation escalated when the suspect’s family and a number of residents allegedly joined the attack, using sharp weapons, homemade firearms, and various dangerous objects. The narcotics team attempted to retreat while requesting backup from the Katingan Police and the Central Katingan Police Sector. During the evacuation process, nine personnel were successfully rescued, while three officers lost their lives.