Timika – The Joint Task Force of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) and the Peace Cartenz Operation Intel Task Force successfully apprehended the Wanted Person (DPO) of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) Puncak, Yekis Wanimbo / Salahmakan Tabuni, who was involved in the arson attack on 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 Timika for intensive interrogation.
Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., Commander of the Damai Cartenz Operation, accompanied by Deputy Commander Kombes Pol. Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., stated that this operation demonstrates the police’s commitment to law enforcement against armed criminals in Papua.
“Salahmakan Tabuni / Yekis Wanimbo 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 said.
According to investigations, Salahmakan / Yekis was seen with Beniku Tabuni and Alenus Tabuni during the arson, pouring gasoline on the PT. Unggul camp and setting it on fire with 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 fund KKB activities, including the purchase of firearms.
During the arrest, authorities seized several important pieces of evidence:
Pindad-made revolver with serial number AE S 030190
A bag patterned with the Bintang Kejora symbol
A photograph featuring the late Nanditer Waker (Village Head of Walani)
Cash in denominations of Rp100,000, Rp10,000, and coins
A Bank Papua savings book under the suspect’s name
2 bundles of gold from prospecting
2 mobile phones (Nokia and Vivo)
A wallet containing personal documents and stamps
From the investigation, it was revealed that on Monday (June 9, 2025), Salahmakan / Yekis planned to move to Timika and change his appearance by shaving his hair and beard to avoid identification. He was also said to be intending to meet someone.
In the course of further investigating the firearm case, authorities managed to obtain 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 initial questioning, the suspect admitted to being involved in the arson, though he claimed only to have participated without lighting 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 applicable laws and regulations. In law enforcement, a persuasive approach is always prioritized.
“If there is no resistance during the arrest, we prioritize persuasion. However, if the authorities are attacked, legitimate self-defense actions, such as returning fire, are lawful,” said Kombes Yusuf.
He also urged the community not to be influenced by propaganda from armed groups and to continue supporting law enforcement in maintaining 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 weapons distribution network and other KKB funding channels. Further examinations will serve as the basis for developing the broader network of armed groups led by Numbuk Telenggen.
