TVRI Papua Presenter's Death Escalates to Criminal Investigation

The death of TVRI Papua Barat presenter Suryanto Tuwing Idorway, also known as Yanto Idorway, has been escalated from a preliminary investigation to a full criminal investigation after police discovered indications of criminal activity. Kombes Pol Hesman Sotarduga Napitupulu, Director of General Criminal Investigation at the West Papua Regional Police, stated that the decision to upgrade the case status was made after an investigation review found evidence of criminal acts. The investigation is being handled by the Arfak Mountains Police, with support from the West Papua Regional Police's Directorate of General Criminal Investigation. Investigators will delve into the entire sequence of events leading to Yanto's death by correlating witness testimonies, forensic examination results, crime scene investigations, and secured evidence. As of now, 23 witnesses have been questioned, and the number may increase to further solidify the evidence. The autopsy results for Yanto's body have been received by investigators. However, they plan to seek further clarification from experts to deepen their understanding of the findings. The case is provisionally being handled under Article 466 paragraph (3) of the Criminal Code concerning assault resulting in death. No suspect has been named yet as the investigation is ongoing. Police urged the victim's family and the public not to speculate about the case and to allow investigators to uncover the facts based on evidence. They assured that the investigation would be conducted professionally and transparently to reveal the sequence of events and determine legal accountability. Previously, Yanto Idorway was reported to have been swept away by a river current in the Memti Waterfall area, Sisrang Village, Arfak Mountains Regency, on July 18, 2026. A seven-day SAR operation was conducted, and his body was eventually found on July 27, 2026. The body was evacuated to Manokwari, and the family requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death.