29 Killed by Armed Criminal Groups in Papua Pegunungan in First Half of 2026

A total of 29 people have died due to attacks by armed criminal groups (KKB) in Indonesia's Papua Pegunungan Province from January to September 2026. This was reported by Papua Police Chief Inspector General Pol. Patrige Renwarin during a security and public order coordination meeting with the Papua Pegunungan Provincial Government in Wamena on Wednesday (23/9). Of the fatalities, 25 were civilians, while four were members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri). The period also saw 76 incidents attributed to the KKB, including shootings, arson, firefights, assaults, road blockades, kidnappings, threats, and firearm seizures. According to Inspector General Renwarin, security disturbances in Papua Pegunungan reached 642 cases during the same period, highlighting the urgent need to enhance public protection and maintain security stability. The Papua Regional Police, along with the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force-2026, are committed to law enforcement while prioritizing a humanistic approach through programs like Binmas Noken. "Handling security issues cannot be done by security forces alone, but requires collaboration between the Polri, TNI, local government, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community leaders to jointly create a safe and conducive situation," Renwarin stated. Security and patrols will be strengthened along vulnerable routes, including Wamena-Tolikara, Wamena-Yalimo, Wamena-Lanny Jaya, and Wamena-Nduga. In addition to security measures, community engagement is being pursued through the Binmas Noken program, which includes youth development and health services. "The Papua Regional Police and the Papua Pegunungan Provincial Government are committed to strengthening coordination and jointly formulating handling measures, prioritizing public protection, law enforcement, and a humanistic approach to support the creation of security, peace, and the continuity of public services in Papua Pegunungan," Renwarin said. Papua Pegunungan Governor John Tabo affirmed that law enforcement agencies are handling criminal cases according to established procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs). He expressed hope that the coordination meeting would bolster communication and lead to joint strategic steps to address various security issues. "We must not turn a blind eye to the current security dynamics, as many victims have fallen, not only from the security forces but also from civilians who do not carry weapons, and this is an extraordinary humanitarian tragedy," Tabo said. The coordination meeting was attended by regents from eight regencies in Papua Pegunungan: Jayawijaya, Mamberamo Tengah, Lanny Jaya, Tolikara, Yalimo, Pegunungan Bintang, Nduga, and Yahukimo. Source: CNN Indonesia