Dekai, March 23, 2025 — Yahukimo Regent Didimus Yahuli, S.H., confirmed an attack on the YPK Anggruk Health Center and School on Friday, March 21, 2025. In his statement from Dekai, he mentioned that evacuation efforts were initially hampered by weather conditions.
“On Saturday, March 22, the weather made it impossible to evacuate the victims. However, today, Sunday, March 23, thank God the weather cleared up, allowing us to deploy all available resources, including three TNI helicopters and five civilian aircraft, to evacuate the victims from Anggruk to Jayapura. The Deputy Regent also went directly to the location,” said Regent Yahuli.
Regent Yahuli confirmed the latest data indicating that the incident resulted in one death, three serious injuries, four minor injuries, and three others who survived. He stressed that previous reports claiming six to seven fatalities were inaccurate after on-site verification.
“Due to limited medical equipment here, we asked the pilots to transport the victims to Jayapura for better medical treatment. We extend our deepest condolences for the loss of the teacher who passed away. May their service and dedication be accepted by God. To the bereaved family, may you find strength in this difficult time,” he added.
Regent Yahuli described the incident as an extraordinary event that shocked many. In 64 years since the Gospel first reached the area, such an incident had never occurred.
“We have always felt safe and peaceful. However, this time, we — including the government, the community, and the church — were shocked and deeply saddened by this incident. We feel that such an event should never have happened in a remote area like this,” he emphasized.
Responding to circulating rumors about the status of the teachers and health workers serving in Anggruk, Regent Yahuli clarified that they were not newly recruited personnel. They had been hired through an open recruitment process in 2021.
“We have consistently stated in various forums that the recruitment requirements include being a Christian, believing in Jesus as Lord, having been baptized, and being willing to serve as missionary teachers. The verification process lasted for 30 days in Jayapura to ensure candidates had a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education or other disciplines relevant to teaching,” he explained.
Regarding allegations that the teachers and health workers were from TNI or Polri, Regent Yahuli firmly denied the claims.
“That is 100% false. Our recruitment process was open and transparent to the public. After recruitment, pastors prayed over the recruits, and they signed a cooperation agreement. If anyone claims they are TNI or Polri members and has proof, please show it to me. If it is true, I am ready to resign as Regent,” he asserted.
He emphasized that the government upholds ethics and morals in leadership and would never engage in such underhanded practices.
“This recruitment has been ongoing since 2021. Our goal is to ensure the regeneration of teachers who are ready to face global challenges. We do not want the future of this region to be bleak due to limited literacy skills. This is our effort to prepare a better generation,” concluded Regent Yahuli.
