ODC Task Force: Evacuation of Hostage Supported by Community Leaders
The Police Operation Damai Cartensi-2026 (ODC) Task Force has stated that the successful evacuation of Demerina Uamang (23) from Bela I Village, Alama District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, was a result of cooperation between the police and support from community leaders.
The evacuation process was carried out by a joint team from the ODC Task Force and the Mimika Resort Police, supported by the Chairman of the Papua People’s Council (MRP) for Central Papua, Agustinus Anggaibak, as well as the local village head.
The Head of Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, stated in a briefing received in Timika on Monday that the success of the evacuation was the result of collaborative efforts prioritising the victim’s safety and maintaining public order and security.
He noted that the evacuation process required intense coordination and patience, as terrain conditions and weather were significant factors that had to be taken into account. “Once successfully evacuated, we ensured the victim received medical examination and treatment first,” he said.
The Head of Public Relations for the Damai Cartenz-2026 Task Force, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, explained that Demerina Uamang is one of nine kidnapping victims carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) on 17 August 2026.
He stated that since the kidnapping incident, search efforts for the victims have continued. Information regarding the victim’s whereabouts was received on 7 September 2026 from a network in Jila District. At that time, a figure from Bela I Village arrived in Jila District to report that residents had found a survivor in the Bela area.
“Initially, they did not know who the victim was. We then conducted investigations and identification processes. The results confirmed that Demerina Uamang was indeed a victim of the kidnapping that occurred on 17 August,” he explained.
When found, Demerina was not alone; she was with a companion, Yosina, who was later found to have passed away due to extreme malnutrition and lack of food.
“They struggled for 20 days in the forest without food or water. The victim was found in a physically weak condition, and then the villagers in Bela took the initiative to help care for her so that Demerina could survive,” he added.
Upon receiving the information, the Damai Cartenz Task Force, along with the Mimika Police and community leaders, coordinated to prepare the evacuation process. The retrieval efforts were initially hindered by bad weather, which prevented helicopters from reaching the location. On Monday morning, when weather conditions were deemed suitable, the evacuation proceeded.
“This morning, the weather improved slightly, allowing us to enter. Supported by Damai Cartenz Task Force personnel using a helicopter, accompanied by community leaders and the village head, we carried out the evacuation,” he said.
Demerina Uamang was successfully evacuated to Timika using the Polri Bell P-3002 helicopter belonging to the Damai Cartenz-2026 Task Force. Upon arriving in Timika, the victim was immediately taken to Bhayangkara Timika Hospital for health checks and medical treatment.
As Demerina Uamang is still in a state of shock, she has not yet been able to provide a statement. The Head of Public Relations also noted that the deceased victim, Yosina, has been buried according to local customs by the community in Bela Village.
Efforts to rescue the seven other remaining victims are ongoing. The authorities have urged the public in Timika and surrounding areas to remain calm and not to easily believe unverified information.