Three Armed Criminal Group Members Killed in Shootout in Yahukimo, Papua
Three members of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) from Kodap XVI Yahukimo, Yamue Battalion, led by wanted fugitive Ronal Heluka, were killed in a shootout in the KM 4 Logpon area, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Friday (17/7) at around 05:45 WIT. The contact occurred as a joint team from the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, Yahukimo Police, and the 3rd Company of the Pioneer Battalion of the Papua Mobile Brigade carried out a law enforcement operation. The joint team encountered armed resistance, prompting officers to take firm and measured action in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that the operation was part of law enforcement efforts against the armed group suspected of involvement in various acts of violence in the Yahukimo area and its surroundings. ‘This operation was carried out based on the results of investigations and information obtained by officers in the field. All actions were conducted professionally, proportionally, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions. The evidence secured will be an important part of the investigation process to thoroughly uncover the armed group’s network,’ he said in a written statement on Sunday (19/7).
The three KKB members killed were identified as Roni Rubis, Kumis Passae, and Orgenes Bayage, all part of the KKB Kodap XVI Yahukimo Batalyon Yamue. The operation was a follow-up to investigations and intelligence regarding the whereabouts of the armed group led by wanted fugitive Ronal Heluka in the Logpon area, KM 4, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency. Head of Public Relations for the Cartenz Peace Operation, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, explained that the group was suspected of using a safe house in the area for their activities. After verifying and analysing the information, the joint team conducted the operation to prevent potential armed violence that could threaten public safety.
Commissioner Yusuf noted that prior to the operation, officers had conducted intensive investigations into the group, which is suspected of involvement in various acts of armed violence in Papua since 2022. These include the murder of Kodim 1715/Yahukimo personnel, Private Eka Yohan Kaize, on 3 December 2022; the shooting of a Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force patrol vehicle at KM 6 Dekai on 26 May 2023; the burning of a Yahukimo Police Binmas official vehicle on 28 January 2025; the severe assault of Ujang Supriayatna on 17 June 2025; the murder of Indra Guru Wardana and the burning of a house in Ulakin Village, Asmat Regency, on 19 September 2025; the severe assault of Suwono on 12 February 2026; the murder of seven miners in Kawe Village, Awimbon District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, on 19 May 2026; and a shootout with TNI personnel accompanied by the burning of buildings in Manggelum District, Boven Digoel Regency, on 4 June 2026. These alleged criminal acts formed the basis for the investigation and the subsequent law enforcement operation against the group.
From the scene, the joint team secured several pieces of evidence, including three firearms, 43 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, two axes, two long-bladed sharp weapons, one Icom handy talkie (HT), one firearm suppressor, seven mobile phones of various brands, and other items. ‘All of this evidence will be a crucial part of the investigation to thoroughly uncover the armed group’s network,’ Yusuf stated. The three bodies were evacuated to the Dekai Regional General Hospital mortuary, while all evidence was secured at the Yahukimo Police Criminal Investigation Unit for further investigation. Officers also detained four individuals with the initials OH, SM, MM, and LM for questioning, as investigators continue to probe their roles and connections to the targeted armed group. Yusuf added that during the Cartenz Peace Operation in the Yahukimo region, officers had previously detained four other individuals linked to the KKB Kodap XVI Yahukimo Batalyon Yamue, identified as HH, KG, EH, and AS, who are currently undergoing legal proceedings. ‘We emphasise that this law enforcement is directed at armed criminal perpetrators who threaten the safety of the public and officers, not civilians. All actions were carried out professionally, proportionally, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,’ he said.