YAHUKIMO – The rescue and evacuation efforts for the victims of violence by an Armed Criminal Group (KKB) at a gold mining site in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua, have officially been declared complete. The Damai Cartenz 2025 Task Force, along with a joint team, successfully evacuated all victims during an operation conducted from April 9 to April 17, 2025.
Yahukimo Regent Didimus Yahuli, S.H., M.H., expressed gratitude and appreciation for the swift and collaborative efforts of the TNI-Polri (Indonesian military and police) and medical teams in handling the tragedy.
“First of all, we thank Almighty God because the police were able to carry out their duties well in responding to this major disaster. Without God’s help, there would surely have been obstacles. But everything went as it should, thanks to God’s grace,” said Regent Yahuli.
He also extended deep appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly the police officers from the Damai Cartenz Task Force and the military, who managed to evacuate 25 victims—comprising 16 fatalities and 9 survivors.
“As the Regent of Yahukimo, I express my sincere thanks to Damai Cartenz and the TNI, who responded swiftly and successfully evacuated all the deceased and survivors,” he added.
Thanks were also extended to the TNI and medical team from Yahukimo Regional Hospital (RSUD), as well as medical personnel from the police for their solid cooperation. Regent Yahuli also conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and shared a message of comfort and hope that such violence would not happen again.
“The blood of Jesus on the cross has already forgiven and washed away all evil and sin. Let there be no more victims,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations for Operation Damai Cartenz 2025, Police Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., also confirmed that the entire rescue operation had been completed. He praised the cross-sector collaboration involved.
“With the evacuation of all 25 victims, we can now declare that the rescue operation for victims of KKB violence in Yahukimo is complete. We appreciate the efforts of the local government, Yahukimo Police, TNI, Dekai Hospital, DVI Team of Bhayangkara Hospital Jayapura, and all involved parties,” he said.
However, he emphasized that Operation Damai Cartenz will continue to remain vigilant to safeguard stability and peace in the Yahukimo region.
“Law enforcement efforts do not end here. The Damai Cartenz Task Force remains on alert to maintain peace in Yahukimo Regency,” Yusuf Sutejo affirmed.
The nine-day operation stands as concrete proof of synergy between local government, security forces, and healthcare workers in responding to humanitarian crises in conflict-prone areas.
