Three KKB Members Killed in Yahukimo Shootout, Three Firearms Seized
Three members of an armed criminal group (KKB) were killed in a shootout with a joint security team in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. Three firearms were also seized during the operation.
Head of Operation Damai Cartenz, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that the contact occurred on Friday (17/7) in the Km 4 Logpon area, Dekai District. The shootout involved the Operation Damai Cartenz Task Force, Yahukimo Police, and the 3rd Company of the Pioneer Battalion of the Papua Police Mobile Brigade.
“While carrying out a law enforcement operation against the KKB, a firefight ensued, resulting in the deaths of three KKB members,” said Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani.
The three deceased KKB members were identified as part of the Kodap XVI Yahukimo, Yamue Battalion, led by wanted suspect Ronal Heluka. They were named as Roni Rubis, Kumis Passae, and Orgenes Bayage.
The operation followed up on investigations and intelligence regarding the armed group’s presence in the Logpon area, Km 4, Dekai District. Authorities discovered the group was using a safe house there as a base of operations. After verifying and analysing the information, the joint team launched the operation to prevent potential armed violence threatening public safety.
The KKB members are believed to have been involved in a series of violent attacks in Papua Pegunungan since 2022. These include the murder of Private Eka Yohan Kaize from Military District Command 1715/Yahukimo on 3 December 2022; the shooting of an Operation Damai Cartenz patrol vehicle at Km 6 Dekai on 26 May 2023; the arson of a Yahukimo Police Community Guidance Unit vehicle on 28 January 2025; the severe assault of Ujang Supriayatna on 17 June 2025; and the murder of Indra Guru Wardana, accompanied by the burning of a house in Ulakin Village, Asmat Regency, on 19 September 2025.
Further incidents include the severe assault of Suwono on 12 February, the murder of seven miners in Kawe Village, Awimbon District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, on 19 May, and a firefight with military personnel involving the burning of buildings in Manggelum District, Boven Digoel Regency, on 4 June.
Evidence secured from the scene included three firearms, 43 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, two axes, two long-bladed sharp weapons, one Icom handy talky, one firearm suppressor, seven mobile phones of various brands, and other items.
“The three bodies have been evacuated to the Dekai Regional General Hospital morgue,” Inspector General Faizal stated. The evidence has been secured at the Yahukimo Police Criminal Investigation Unit for further investigation. Officers also detained four individuals, identified by the initials OH, SM, MM, and LM, for questioning regarding their suspected involvement with the KKB.