Two Active World War II Bombs Discovered in Maluku, Bomb Squad Deployed
Two unexploded military bombs (UXO) from the World War II era have been discovered in the Masela Block National Strategic Project (PSN) area, Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku.
The two bombs were found in an active state during a sweep conducted by the UXO Survey Team of the Gegana Detachment, Maluku Regional Police Brimob, alongside project representatives, using mine detectors in the PT INPEX area, Lermatang Village, South Tanimbar District.
The first bomb was located on 7 September 2026, between markers 71 and 75, while the second bomb was found on 16 September 2026, between markers 55 and 56.
Upon inspection, the first UXO was identified as a Type 91 artillery projectile with a diameter of 105 millimetres, a length of 427 millimetres, and a weight of approximately 15.90 kilograms. The second UXO was also a Type 91 long-painted artillery projectile, measuring 105 millimetres in diameter and 501.70 millimetres in length, weighing approximately 15.70 kilograms.
The Maluku Regional Police Operations Coordinator, Commissioner Monang Marudu Zonir Simanjuntak, stated that the discovery required specialised handling as both objects remained active.
“The National Police ensure that every potential threat to safety can be detected and handled quickly, accurately, and professionally. This includes the discovery of UXO in the Masela Block area, which must be managed specifically so as not to endanger workers, the community, or development activities,” he said on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
Once confirmed to be active, both UXOs were immediately secured. The police established a perimeter and installed police lines around the discovery sites. The location was guarded until the Jibom (Bomb Disposal) team of the Gegana Detachment could carry out the disposal process.
A total of 10 personnel from the Gegana Detachment, Maluku Regional Police Brimob, were deployed to handle the discovery. The entire handling and disposal process was completed without casualties or environmental disruption. Following the disposal, official handover documents were presented to the person in charge of the PT INPEX area and security officials.
The Commander of the Maluku Regional Police Brimob, Commissioner Tedy Purnanto, noted that both UXOs were successfully located thanks to surveys using specialised equipment by personnel trained in explosives handling.
“Both UXOs were found through systematic surveys using mine detectors. Once detected, the team immediately secured the perimeter and ensured the location remained sterile until the Jibom personnel executed the disposal,” he said.