Timika – The Joint Task Force of the Gakkum (Law Enforcement) and Intel Operations of the Peace Cartenz Task Force successfully apprehended the Wanted Person (DPO) of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) Puncak, Yekis Wanimbo alias Salahmakan Tabuni, who was involved in the arson attack on the PT. Unggul Camp in Mundidok Village, Puncak Regency, Papua, in 2021.
The arrest was carried out on Tuesday (June 10, 2025) at 2:35 PM WIT in Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province. The suspect was immediately taken to the Gakkum Post in Mimika for intensive questioning.
Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., Commander of the Damai Cartenz Operation, along with Deputy Commander Kombes Pol. Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., stated that this operation reflects the police’s commitment to uphold the law against armed criminals in Papua.
“Salahmakan Tabuni is part of the KKB group led by Numbuk Telenggen. He actively participated in the arson of vital facilities belonging to PT. Unggul in Puncak in 2021,” Brig. Gen. Faizal explained.
According to investigations, Salahmakan was seen with Beniku Tabuni and Alenus Tabuni during the arson attack on PT. Unggul’s camp. They poured gasoline on the building and set it on fire using a lighter.
The suspect’s full name is Yekis Wanimbo, born in Ilaga on February 1, 1994, residing in Walani Village, Kwamki Narama. In addition to farming, he is also known to mine gold in Kali Kuluk, Tembagapura District, with the proceeds suspected to be used to finance KKB activities, including purchasing firearms.
During the arrest, authorities seized several important pieces of evidence:
1 revolver firearm made by Pindad, serial number AE S 030190
1 bag with a Bintang Kejora pattern
1 photograph featuring the late Nanditer Waker (Village Head of Walani)
Cash in denominations of Rp100,000, Rp10,000, and coins
A bank account book at Bank Papua under the suspect’s name
2 bundles of gold from prospecting
2 mobile phones (Nokia and Vivo)
A wallet containing personal documents and stamps
Based on intelligence signals, it was revealed that on Monday (June 9, 2025), Salahmakan planned to move to Timika and change his appearance by shaving his hair and beard to avoid identification. He was also reportedly planning to meet someone named Yoyakim Mujizau, who is currently under investigation.
In the course of investigating firearm possession, authorities managed to recover the revolver from the suspect through information gathering. The weapon was handed over in Utikini Village, Tembagapura District, and brought to the Mimika Gakkum Post on Wednesday (June 11, 2025) at 5:03 AM WIT.
In an initial interrogation, the suspect admitted to being involved in the arson, though he claimed only to have participated without setting the fire himself. He also acknowledged purchasing the revolver for Rp30 million from a Damal tribe resident in Tembagapura, without ammunition.
Public Relations Officer of the Damai Cartenz Operation, Kombes Pol. Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., emphasized that the police operate under the applicable laws and regulations. In law enforcement actions, a persuasive approach is always prioritized.
“If there is no resistance during arrest, we prioritize persuasive efforts. However, if the authorities are attacked, then legitimate self-defense actions, such as returning fire, are lawful,” said Kombes Yusuf.
He also called on the community not to be influenced by propaganda from armed groups and to continue supporting law enforcement to maintain security in Papua.
“This success is also thanks to community participation. We hope this cooperation continues to create a safe and peaceful Papua,” he concluded.
Currently, the Peace Cartenz Operation Task Force is still investigating the suspect’s involvement in the distribution network of weapons and funding for other KKB networks. Further examinations will serve as the basis for developing the broader network of armed groups led by Numbuk Telenggen.
