Yahukimo — The Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz and the joint apparatus have succeeded in enforcing the law against a person who calls himself the Commander of the Red Ant Battalion of the Criminal Armed Group of Yahukimo, Lipet Sobolim alias Cocor Sobolim alias Junior Bocor Sobolim. The officer managed to paralyze the perpetrator and was rushed to the Dekai Hospital but was declared dead when he arrived at the Emergency Installation (IGD), Thursday (11/6).
This incident started from a robbery against two civilians named Bernior Telena (36) and Soleman Ilu (30) on Baliem Street, Line 1, Dekai District. Both victims suffered stab wounds and were immediately rushed to the Dekai Hospital to receive medical treatment.
Following up on the residents’ report, the joint team immediately moved quickly to sweep and pursue the perpetrators. Around 19.55 WIT, the team managed to find one of the main culprits who was later known as Lipet Sobolim.
To fool the officers, Lipet Sobolim has changed its name three times, from Lipet Sobolim alias Cocor Sobolim, and lastly to Junior Bocor Sobolim.
Based on the record, Lipet Sobolim alias Cocor Sobolim is the commander of the red ant battalion of Armed Criminal Group in Yahukimo who has a long track record in a series of armed crimes in the mountainous Papua region, including:
• Attack on illegal mining workers in Village Kawe Mining 63, Awibom District, Bintang Mountains (August 27, 2023) which killed two people and injured five others.
• The murder of an illegal miner named Anas (December 27, 2023) in Camp 33, Kawe Village, Awimbom District.
• The murder of an illegal miner named Ariston Kamma (April 9, 2025) in Kawe Village, Awibom District.
Head of Operation Peace Cartenz Brigadier General Pol. Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H. emphasized that action against armed perpetrators is a firm and measurable form of law enforcement.
“The perpetrator of Lipet Sobolim is a commander of the red ant battalion who actively carries out various violent actions against civil society and security forces. Law enforcement is part of the effort to maintain security stability in the Yahukimo area so that people can do their activities safely,” said Brigadier General Faizal.
He also added that after the death of Lipet Sobolim, the security officers will increase vigilance in all security posts to anticipate the potential countermeasures from their group.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head Of Operation Peace Cartenz Chief Commissioner of apolice Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum. explained that this success was the result of rapid coordination between the joint team of the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz, the Yahukimo Police, and the Papua Regional Police Brigade.
“As soon as the robbery report was received, the team immediately responded quickly in the field. As a result, in less than two hours, the perpetrator was successfully paralyzed. This shows the readiness of personnel in protecting the community from the threat of Armed Criminal Group,” explained Adarma.
He also emphasized that the two civilian victims are currently in stable condition and have received medical treatment at the Dekai Hospital.
The Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz ensures that it will continue to carry out law enforcement measures against the network of armed groups that are still active in the Yahukimo area and its surroundings.
“We urge the public to remain calm and immediately report if they know the whereabouts of members of the armed group. We will continue to be present to maintain the security of the community in Papua,” concluded Kaops Damai Cartenz Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani.
