Three Jayawijaya Regency Officials Shot Dead by KKB During Official Duty

The Armed Criminal Group (KKB) has shot dead three officials from the Jayawijaya Regency Government, Highland Papua. The victims were attacked by the KKB while on an official trip to monitor a paddy field printing programme.

According to reports, the shooting occurred on the roads of the Muliama District on Wednesday (9/9) at approximately 15:53 WIT. The victims, along with colleagues from the Jayawijaya Agriculture Office, were en route to the activity site.

“The group of officials from the Jayawijaya Regency Agriculture Office, numbering 11 people, had previously moved from Wamena to the Muliama District to review the implementation of the paddy field printing activity,” stated the Head of Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, in a statement on Wednesday (9/9).

While the victims were in transit, the KKB opened fire on the group. Three officials from the Jayawijaya Agriculture Office were hit by the attackers’ gunfire.

“Based on investigations and further analysis, the shooting is suspected to have been carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) from the Nduga region,” he added.

Police conducted a crime scene investigation regarding the deaths of the three Jayawijaya Regency officials on Thursday (10/9). Authorities have also identified the characteristics of the perpetrators, who are believed to number eight people.

“We have obtained the characteristics of the perpetrators and have identified them. The team is currently conducting a manhunt,” said the Head of Public Relations for Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, in a statement on Thursday (10/9).

“Based on initial witness statements, the group suspected of carrying out the shooting consists of approximately eight people. We are certainly pursuing them; God willing, we will succeed because we have identified the perpetrators,” he continued.