Yahukimo, Highland Papua — Personnel from the Yahukimo Sector of Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 responded rapidly to a violent assault that resulted in the death of a civilian, identified as Yohanes Entamoi (39), who was found dead with severe injuries from a sharp weapon in the Kali Merah area, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at approximately 13:59 WIT.
Upon arrival at the crime scene, the team conducted a forensic investigation and evacuated the victim’s body to Dekai Regional Hospital for medical examination. Initial reports confirmed that the victim sustained deep wounds to the neck, face, right arm, and a torn left index finger. Entamoi was known to reside in Jalur 3 settlement and worked as a private construction laborer.
According to witness testimonies, two unidentified assailants carried out the attack. The first witness, identified as “G”, stated that he and the victim were working on building a kiosk when two unknown individuals suddenly assaulted them. While the victim attempted to flee to the back of the house, the witness managed to kick one of the perpetrators and ran to seek help at the Yahukimo District Police Headquarters.
A second witness, identified as “N”, reported that she heard screams while inside her nearby house. She witnessed two unknown men chasing the workers behind the house, one of whom threatened her with an axe before continuing the pursuit. Fearing for her safety, she fled and immediately reported the incident to the police.
The crime scene unit also secured multiple pieces of evidence including the victim’s blood-stained clothes, eyeglasses, belt, cap, and face mask.
Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2025, Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, accompanied by Deputy Head of Operation, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, affirmed that the Indonesian National Police will ensure the perpetrators are identified and held accountable.
“We are deeply concerned by this brutal attack. A full investigation is underway, and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Brigadier General Faizal stated.
Head of Public Relation of Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2025, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, added that this was the second violent incident targeting migrants in Dekai within the past two days.
“Today, August 6, 2025, at approximately 13:40 WIT, a migrant named Yohanes Entamoi, a 39-year-old carpenter from Ambon, was fatally assaulted with a machete to the neck,” explained Chief Commissioner Yusuf.
He further elaborated that another witness, Gabrielis Lifarius Ratu, narrowly escaped the attack despite being assaulted with a machete and bow. The witness identified the perpetrators as two unknown individuals who appeared to be in an aggressive and prepared stance.
“Our personnel immediately responded to the scene, evacuated the victim to the hospital, and conducted tactical patrols in the surrounding area. A thorough investigation is ongoing to identify the attackers and determine their motive,” he added.
Chief Commissioner Yusuf also reported that the previous night, Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at around 20:50 WIT, another civilian — a 32-year-old Javanese man named Susmanto — was stabbed by a suspect identified as Lea in the New Market area. The victim survived despite a deep stab wound that penetrated from the back to the front and was evacuated by residents to Dekai Regional Hospital.
“Personnel from Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz secured the crime scene and initiated a preliminary investigation at that time,” he said.
The Indonesian National Police reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on violence against civilians, especially peaceful migrants who contribute to the local economy.
“The police strongly condemn all acts of violence against civilians, particularly those who come to this region in search of a better livelihood. We urge the community to stay calm, vigilant, and to immediately report any information regarding the suspects. Justice must be served, and peace must be upheld,” concluded Chief Commissioner Yusuf.
The victim is scheduled to be buried on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Kilo 6 Public Cemetery, Yahukimo Regency.
