Yahukimo, Pegunungan Papua – The government’s efforts in protecting the safety of the people in Papua are proven again. Through the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz, the security forces succeeded in taking firm action against Lipet Sobolim alias Cocor Sobolim alias Junior Bocor Sobolim, a perpetrator of violence who calls himself the Commander of the Red Ant Battalion of the Yahukimo Armed Criminal Group.
Lipet Sobolim was paralyzed by the joint team after carrying out a brutal action in the form of robbery against two civilians, namely Bernior Telena (36) and Soleman Ilu (30), on Jalan Baliem, Line 1, Dekai District, on Thursday (11/6/2025) at night. Both victims suffered serious stab wounds and have now received intensive care at RSUD Dekai.
Following up on the residents’ reports, the joint officers from the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz, the Yahukimo Police, and the Papua Regional Police Brigade immediately moved quickly to carry out a sweep in the area around the incident site. In less than two hours, the team managed to find one of the main perpetrators who was known to be the active leader of the armed group in Yahukimo.
When law enforcement was carried out, Lipet Sobolim was crippled firmly and measured, then evacuated to the Dekai Hospital, but was declared dead when he arrived at the Emergency Installation.
Based on the records of the authorities, Lipet Sobolim has a long track record in acts of violence and terror in the mountainous region of Papua. He was involved in various armed crimes, including:
• The attack on illegal mining workers in Kampung Kawe Mining 63, Awibom District (August 27, 2023) killed two people and injured five others.
• Murder of an illegal miner named Anas (December 27, 2023) at Camp 33, Kawe Village, Awibom District.
• Murder of an illegal miner named Ariston Kamma (April 9, 2025) at the same location.
Head of Operation Peace Cartenz, Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that firm action against armed groups is a tangible form of state presence in protecting citizens from the threat of violence.
“The action taken against Lipet Sobolim is a firm and measurable law enforcement step. The state will not remain silent against anyone who threatens the safety of the Papuan people,” said Brigadier General of Police Faizal Ramadhani.
He added that the security forces are now increasing their vigilance in all security posts to anticipate the possibility of counter-action from armed groups.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Operation Peace Cartenz, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., explained that the success of this operation was the result of synergy and quick response between officers in the field.
“As soon as the hijacking report was received, the team immediately moved quickly. In a short time, the perpetrator was successfully paralyzed. This shows the alertness of the apparatus in protecting the public from the threat of violence,” said Adarma Sinaga.
He also confirmed that the two victims of the robbery are now in stable condition after undergoing treatment in the hospital.
The Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz emphasized that law enforcement will continue to be carried out professionally against a network of armed groups that are still active in the Yahukimo area and its surroundings. The apparatus is committed to creating a safe situation so that people can do activities without fear.
“We urge the public to remain calm and immediately report if they know the whereabouts of armed group members. We will continue to be present to maintain security and peace in Papua,” concluded Brigadier General of Police Faizal Ramadhani.
