Startling Revelation: 200 Armed Criminal Group Members Operating in Yahukimo

Jayapura — The Damai Cartenz Task Force (Satgas) estimates that some 200 members of Armed Criminal Groups (KKB) are operating in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan.

Head of Operations for the Damai Cartenz Task Force, Police Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, said in Jayapura that the hundreds of KKB members in Yahukimo Regency are spread across several small groups.

“Reports received indicate that KKB members in Yahukimo are dispersed in small groups and frequently carry out attacks and shootings,” he said, as quoted on Monday, 16 February 2026.

He stated that since January, 23 cases of violence allegedly perpetrated by KKB have been recorded, with a pattern of action assessed as aimed at demonstrating their presence and attracting attention.

The victims of KKB violence, he said, include not only security forces but also civilians, including pilots, drivers and school construction workers.

“The state must not be defeated by the terror perpetrated by KKB, and therefore the Damai Cartenz Task Force is ensuring that law enforcement is carried out professionally, in a measured manner, and based on evidence, whilst providing protection to civilians,” Faizal said.

Regarding law enforcement action against the perpetrators of the shooting of a Smart Air aircraft in Korowai on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, Faizal said the operation is being conducted in an integrated manner with preventive and pre-emptive approaches to ensure security stability in the affected area.

The Damai Cartenz Task Force, he said, is not only focused on pursuing the perpetrators but also on ensuring that the public continues to feel safe and that pioneer aviation services can operate.

“Security at airstrips, strengthened patrols, and cross-unit coordination continue to be enhanced so that the operational space of armed groups becomes increasingly limited,” he said.