Regional Police Detain Four Suspects in Tambrauw Murder Case

Aimas (ANTARA) - The Southwest Papua Regional Police have detained four suspects in the alleged premeditated murder of three civilians in Tambrauw Regency on 16 March 2026.

Acting Head of Public Relations for the Southwest Papua Regional Police, Commissioner Jenny Hengkelare, stated in Aimas, Sorong Regency, on Monday, that the four suspects with initials GY, YY, MY, and EY have been held in the detention room at Sorong Police Resort since Saturday (4/4).

“The four suspects surrendered themselves to the police and are now detained to be held accountable for their actions,” Jenny said.

She explained that the suspects’ surrender was not solely due to police coercion but involved the roles of various parties, including community leaders, the local government, the Tambrauw Regency DPRD, and the Papua branch of the National Human Rights Commission.

“This is not merely the result of forceful police efforts, but the involvement of various parties that encouraged the suspects to turn themselves in,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of the General Criminal Investigation Directorate at the Southwest Papua Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Ardy Yusuf, stated that there are a total of 10 suspects in the murder case.

“Four (suspects) have been detained, while the other six are still listed as wanted persons (DPO),” he clarified.

Based on the investigation results, Jenny said, there were approximately 13 people at the crime scene (TKP) with different roles, ranging from planners to executors.

“Three others are witnesses because their roles are not yet known, four suspects have been detained, while the other six are still DPOs,” she detailed.

She stated that some suspects used firearms and sharp weapons in the attack that resulted in the victims’ deaths.

“The roles of the perpetrators vary, from coordinating, providing information, to directly attacking the victims,” she said.

The suspects are charged with multiple articles related to premeditated murder, group assault, and abuse causing death, primarily under Article 459 and/or Article 469 paragraphs (2) and (1), and subsidiarily under Article 262 paragraphs (4), (3), (2), (1), in conjunction with Article 466 paragraphs (3), (2), (1) of the Criminal Code (KUHP).

“The maximum penalty is up to 20 years in prison,” she said.

Jenny emphasised that the police will continue to hunt down the fugitives and ensure the legal process runs according to applicable regulations.