SAR Team Finds 13 Body Fragments of Victims from WWII Bomb Explosion in Biak Numfor

A joint team involving Basarnas has successfully discovered 13 fragments or pieces of human remains, stated Biak Numfor Police Chief AKBP Ari Trestiawan on Tuesday (2/6/2026). Ari noted that the joint team is continuing the search for other victims who have yet to be found, with search efforts currently focused on areas outside the initial blast site.

“The current focus of the search is being conducted in the Ring 2 area, specifically in the coastal and waters surrounding the incident site,” explained Ari. He added that the Ring 1 area, suspected to be the source of the explosion, has not yet been declared safe or sterile, preventing maximum search operations from being carried out.

According to the latest data, there are 18 recorded minor injuries, with two individuals still receiving treatment at the Biak Regional General Hospital (RSUD Biak). Meanwhile, the number of displaced residents has reached 56, consisting of 43 adults and 13 toddlers. Five victims who died due to the bomb explosion were buried at the Sorido Public Cemetery, Biak City District, on Monday (1/6) afternoon. The joint team is currently searching for three other victims whose condition and whereabouts remain unknown.