Police arrest 12 suspects in attack on healthcare workers in Tambrauw
Sorong (ANTARA) - The Southwest Papua Regional Police have arrested 12 individuals suspected of attacking four healthcare workers in the Bamusbama area, Tambrauw Regency, Southwest Papua.
Acting Head of Public Relations for the Southwest Papua Regional Police, Commissioner Jenny Setya Agustin Hengkelare, stated in Sorong on Thursday that the arrests were made during a joint operation between the Southwest Papua Regional Police and the Tambrauw Police Resort.
“Twelve people suspected of being involved in the attack on healthcare workers have been secured and are currently undergoing intensive questioning at the Southwest Papua Regional Police Headquarters,” she said during a press statement at the headquarters in Aimas, Sorong Regency.
She mentioned that the suspects are initialled TY (28), LY (57), SY (19), AY (44), who is known as the Head of Banfot Village, MY (29) as the Head of Bamusbama Village, as well as BY, AY, TY, WY (49), a civil servant, PY (49), and YJ.
In addition to securing the suspects, the police also confiscated several items believed to have been used in the attack.
The evidence seized includes seven air rifles, seven machetes, four noken bags, three spears, one sleeping mat, 11 arrows, one firecracker, one orange headlamp, two items suspected to be amulets, one small padlock, nine packets of Anggur brand fertiliser, one green hat, one black bag, five mobile phones, one pair of trainers, one bow and arrow, two wooden combs, three mobile phone chargers, one pack of air rifle pellets, three lighters, one gold-coloured necklace, four house keys, and one section of bamboo.
According to Commissioner Jenny, the arrests were made after investigators conducted inquiries and gathered statements from several witnesses at the scene.
“The joint team carried out a raid in the Bamusbama area based on initial investigation results and information from the community,” she said.
Regarding the legal status of the 12 individuals, the police stated that it is still in the deepening stage to determine each person’s role.
“Their status as suspects is still being processed. Investigators are still examining each person’s involvement,” she said.
She added that investigators are also tracing the possibility of other perpetrators and the motive behind the attack on the healthcare workers.
Furthermore, the suspected links of the perpetrators to armed criminal groups (KKB) are still under further investigation.
“Links to certain groups are still being examined. We will provide further updates after the questioning process is complete,” said Jenny.
She urged the public to remain calm and not be provoked by unverified information, while supporting the ongoing legal process.
Previously, the incident of an attack on four healthcare workers by unidentified persons in Jokbu Village, Bamusbama District, Tambrauw Regency, Southwest Papua Province, occurred on Monday (16/3/2026) around 11:37 WIT, resulting in two victims being killed.
She also confirmed that the security situation in the Bamusbama area and surroundings is now gradually conducive, with tightened security by joint apparatus.