Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan – Amid the concerning situation caused by the mass killings perpetrated by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), efforts to evacuate victim’s bodies continue in Yahukimo Regency. In this tragic incident, as of Saturday (April 12, 2025), joint authorities have successfully discovered 11 bodies of civilians involved in gold mining activities. With two of these bodies already identified, steps towards recovery and victim handling are beginning to show positive progress.
Despite the heaviness of the situation, the identification and repatriation process of the bodies is being conducted with careful procedures. Six location points have been identified, where officers are striving to carry out evacuations safely, albeit facing significant challenges. From the recovery sites, several bodies have been successfully evacuated to local hospitals, offering hope for better recovery prospects for the victims’ families.
The identification process is being carried out by the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team from Bhayangkara Hospital in Jayapura and Dekai Hospital. Two out of three bodies that have been autopsied have been recognized, providing a slight relief amid the profound sorrow. However, one body remains in the process of data matching, and burial may take place in Yahukimo if no family members claim it, highlighting the urgent need for swift handling of the bodies as conditions worsen.
Behind the tragic narrative, there are also moments of hope. The joint team successfully rescued a married couple, Mr. Daniel Nabyal and Mrs. Makdalena Olivia Masela, who were held hostage for two days. The provision of medical assistance and trauma healing support from the teams of doctors and psychologists signals optimism amidst tragedy. This indicates that efforts are not only focused on the repatriation of bodies but also on the psychological recovery of the survivors.
Brigadier General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., who leads Operation Peace Cartenz 2025, stated that the main focus is on ensuring the safety of personnel in the field while also rescuing civilians still at risk. This operation, involving 307 personnel from various agencies, reflects a united commitment to complete this humanitarian mission.
In this highly emotional situation, Kombes Pol Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., emphasizes the importance of maintaining calm within the community. He urges people not to be swayed by unconfirmed information, stressing the need to provide space for authorities to manage the situation without disruptions. The health and safety of the community remain a top priority.
In conclusion, although this tragedy has dealt a heavy blow to the Yahukimo community, the ongoing evacuation efforts reflect an integrated approach to humanitarian support and security. Regular updates and transparency in information are expected to provide comfort and stability for those in mourning. This operation is not just about recovering bodies, but also about restoring hope for the survivors.
