Peace Cartenz Task Force Apprehends Armed Group Commander in Yahukimo

YAHUKIMO — The Peace Cartenz Operation Task Force in Papua has apprehended Philip Kobak, alias Nenak Kobak, a commander of an armed group in Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan. The arrest is part of a broader security operation conducted by the Damai Cartenz forces following recent security challenges in the region.

Philip Kobak has been the subject of a security investigation for his alleged involvement in several violent incidents including murders, and destruction of school facilities in Yahukimo. Senior Commissioner (Kombes) Yusuf Sutedjo, spokesman for the Peace Cartenz Operation Task Force, stated that Damai Cartenz personnel apprehended Philip Kobak on Saturday of last weekend.

The arrest took place at the GIDI Church area of Kali Brasa in Dekai District. According to Kombes Yusuf, the apprehension followed several months of surveillance and intelligence operations by security personnel tracking Philip Kobak.

“The arrest originated from a monitoring and target-scanning process conducted by the Task Force Legal Affairs team,” said Kombes Yusuf in a press statement received by journalists in Jakarta on Tuesday (10 March 2026).

He explained that during the arrest, Philip Kobak initially resisted in an attempt to escape into the forest. However, the pursuing officers successfully apprehended him and brought him to security headquarters for interrogation.

“From the investigation results, it was determined that Philip Kobak, alias Nenak Kobak, is the Operations Commander of the Kimbusa Company Unit, Kodap XVI Yahukimo,” said Kombes Yusuf.

According to him, Philip Kobak served as an operator within the armed group structure operating in Yahukimo and several other areas in Papua Pegunungan. Following his arrest and designation as a suspect, Kombes Yusuf stated that Philip Kobak remains in police custody.