Jayawijaya, Papua — Violence has once again struck Papua’s highlands. Two civilian construction workers were fatally shot on Wednesday morning, 4 June 2025, in Kwantapo Village, Asotipo District, Jayawijaya Regency. The perpetrators are believed to belong to the armed network led by Egianus Kogoya.
The victims—Rahmat Hidayat (45) and Saepudin (39), both from Purwakarta, West Java—were building the GKI Imanuel Church when two gunmen opened fire at about 08:30 WIT. One worker suffered a fatal head wound that exited through his left eye; the other was shot under the left armpit, the bullet passing through his arm. Witnesses said the victims tried to flee but were chased down and executed.
A joint team from Jayawijaya Police and the Law-Enforcement Unit of Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 arrived swiftly to secure the scene and evacuate the bodies.
Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2025, Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., accompanied by Deputy Head, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., condemned the attack and vowed a decisive response:
“This barbaric act is intolerable. The task force is already sweeping the area, pursuing the shooters, reinforcing security at vulnerable points, and deepening intelligence data while coordinating closely with the TNI and local community leaders,” Brig. Gen. Faizal said in Jayapura.
He added that early indicators link the assailants to the Egianus Kogoya faction and associates such as Asbak Koronue and Hakim from the Yahukimo group.
Head of Public Relation for Operation Peace Cartenz 2025, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., urged residents to stay calm but vigilant:
“We ask everyone in Asotipo District and surrounding areas to remain composed and report any suspicious activity immediately. Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 is committed to maintaining security and public order,” he said.
Kwantapo Village remains on alert, but authorities report the situation is under control. Security personnel continue round-the-clock patrols and an intensive manhunt for the gunmen.
