YAHUKIMO – The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force 2026 has once again secured a suspected member of an armed group, Meno Heluka, during an operation conducted on Monday morning (February 23, 2026) in Yahukimo, Highland Papua.
Meno Heluka was apprehended in the Pasar Baru area after being monitored for approximately two days around Terminal 88 and was suspected of planning to move toward the Korowai region. The Yahukimo Gakkum Unit swiftly carried out field investigation and surveillance before successfully securing the suspect without resistance. He was subsequently taken to the Yahukimo Police Resort for intensive questioning and further examination.
The Head of Public Relations for the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force 2026, Police Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that the arrest was conducted based on monitoring results and the development of field intelligence.
“The team conducted thorough monitoring and assessment of the suspect’s movements. Once his presence in Pasar Baru was confirmed, personnel moved swiftly and in a measured manner, successfully securing Meno Heluka without causing any disturbance to the surrounding public security situation,” he explained on February 24, 2026.
Based on initial examination results and statements obtained by investigators, Meno Heluka is suspected of involvement in the shooting of Sergeant Segar Mulyana on June 16, 2025. Sergeant Segar Mulyana was an Indonesian Army soldier serving as a Village Supervisory Non-Commissioned Officer (Babinsa) in Yahukimo, responsible for territorial guidance and maintaining public security and order. The shooting occurred while the victim was carrying out state duties to support security stability in an area categorized as prone to armed disturbances.
In addition to the alleged involvement in the shooting, Meno Heluka is identified as a core member of the Kopitua Heluka group, which has been mapped by authorities as an armed group actively carrying out a series of violent acts in the Papua Highlands region.
The Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation 2026, Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, emphasized that law enforcement actions against armed group members will continue in a measured and professional manner.
“Any individual suspected of involvement in acts of violence against security personnel or civilians will be processed in accordance with applicable law. This law enforcement effort is part of our commitment to maintaining security stability and ensuring legal certainty for the people of Papua,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation 2026, Police Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, added that the successful operation was the result of solid intelligence work and strong coordination among personnel on the ground.
“We continue to conduct mapping and profiling of active networks. The current examination of Meno Heluka is focused on exploring his role as well as the possible involvement of other parties within the group’s network,” he explained.
At present, Meno Heluka is being held at the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Yahukimo Police Resort for further questioning. Authorities have ensured that the entire legal process is being carried out professionally, transparently, and in accordance with established procedures to comprehensively uncover the suspect’s alleged involvement in a series of violent acts in Yahukimo and surrounding areas.
