WWII-era bomb explodes in Biak, Papua, killing five with three missing

A WWII-era bomb explosion in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, killed five civilians and damaged at least 10 houses. As of Sunday (31 May 2026), three victims remain missing.

Senior Commissioner Cahyo Sukarnito, head of the Papua Police Regional Public Relations Bureau, said the blast is believed to have originated from beneath one of the stilt houses at the site. “Initial information from the field indicates the explosion occurred beneath one of the stilt houses in the complex,” he stated on Sunday.

Police are still investigating the sequence of events leading to the bomb’s discovery and subsequent explosion. Witness accounts indicate the blast occurred suddenly with a loud noise, drawing the attention of nearby residents who then attempted to assist the victims. “According to witnesses at the scene, the explosion happened abruptly with a very loud sound, prompting nearby residents to rush to help the victims,” he added.

Five fatalities have been evacuated. Three bodies were taken to Biak General Hospital (RSUD Biak), while another was transported to Biak Naval Hospital (RSAL Biak). “Three other victims remain missing as joint teams continue searching the area,” Cahyo said.

Ten Houses Damaged

In addition to the fatalities, the explosion damaged at least 10 civilian homes. Biak Police Resort Criminal Investigation Department Head Inspector Daniel Rumpaidus stated that preliminary data shows 10 houses were affected by the WWII-era bomb explosion.

“Initial data indicates 10 houses sustained damage from the WWII bomb explosion,” Daniel said on Sunday.

Daniel confirmed eight casualties in total, with five fatalities. “Eight people were affected, five of whom died,” he said.

Three victims remain missing following the explosion. The military (TNI) and police (Polri) have deployed to the site for evacuation and clearance operations. “Five bodies have been recovered so far, with three still missing,” said Biak Numfor Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ari Trestiawan in a separate statement.

Ari stated the crime scene has been cordoned off as it has not yet been cleared. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the area. “We advise the public to avoid the crime scene for now as it remains unsafe to prevent further explosions,” he said.