Record of Armed Criminal Group Commander Philip Kobak: Machete Attacks on Citizens and High School Burning in Yahukimo

A commander of an armed criminal group (KKB) named Philip Kobak, also known as Nenak Kobak, has been arrested in Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan, and is suspected of involvement in various violent acts. The Kimbusa Kodap XVI Company Commander in Yahukimo has previously been involved in cases of machete attacks on citizens and the burning of a high school building.

“The suspect is known to hold the position of Kimbusa Kodap XVI Company Commander in Yahukimo and is suspected of involvement in several violent acts,” said Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, Spokesperson for Task Force Operations, Operasi Damai Cartenz 2026.

Yusuf explained that the suspect’s involvement in each violent act in Papua Pegunungan is still being investigated in depth. However, in 2026, Philip Kobak is suspected of involvement in two prominent violent incidents in Yahukimo.

Philip Kobak is suspected of involvement in a machete attack on a citizen named Muhammad Syarif (31) in Yahukimo on Sunday, 11 January. The suspect was also involved in the arson of SMA Negeri 2 Dekai on Saturday, 14 February.

“The suspect has been secured and the investigation process is continuing to explore his involvement in various other incidents,” added Yusuf.

Yusuf emphasised that the arrest of Philip Kobak was the result of intelligence work and law enforcement operations conducted in a measured manner. Upon arrest, authorities secured a number of items belonging to the suspect, namely cash amounting to IDR 1,135,000, one mobile phone, one black bag, one green noken (woven bag), one torch, and one mobile phone charger.

The Operasi Damai Cartenz Task Force then conducted a search at the suspect’s residence in Dekai, where several sharp weapon ammunition were also secured. A number of houses suspected of being KKB safe houses in Yahukimo were also searched.