WWII-Era Mortar Found and Safely Disposed of by Police in Papua

Police have again discovered a mortar bomb believed to be a relic of World War II in Jayapura Regency, Papua. The Gegana Detachment Team from the Papua Regional Police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) was deployed to handle the situation. The bomb was found by residents behind the Daime-Daime Complex in Doyo Baru, Waibu District, Jayapura, on Wednesday (24/6). It was immediately evacuated as it was deemed to endanger the local community. Jayapura Police Chief AKBP Dionisius VDP Helan stated that the discovery of the ammunition, a remnant of war, had the potential to harm residents if not promptly addressed by the authorities. Personnel coordinated with the residents who first discovered the bomb. The Gegana team then conducted an examination and identification of the object. Based on the initial assessment, the object was identified as a mortar measuring 23 centimetres in length, 6 centimetres in diameter, and weighing approximately 450 grams. At around 15:58 WIT, the mortar was successfully evacuated and secured into a tactical vehicle belonging to the Gegana Detachment. The bomb was subsequently taken to a location far from residential areas to be destroyed.