Three regional government employees were shot and killed by an armed criminal group in Papua Pegunungan while traveling on official business to inspect a local agricultural program, according to local authorities. The fatal attack occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, around 15.53 WIT along a road in the Muliama District.
Official Details of the Muliama District Ambush
The victims were part of an 11-member delegation of agricultural service workers from the Jayawijaya Regency. According to Head of Operations for the Peace Cartenz-2026 Task Force, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, the group departed from Wamena toward Muliama District to review the implementation of a crop cultivation program. While en route, armed individuals opened fire on the convoy, striking three employees of the Jayawijaya Agriculture Office. Based on subsequent investigations and deeper analysis, authorities stated that the shooting was suspected to have been carried out by an armed criminal group originating from the Nduga region.
Did You Know? The 11-member delegation was traveling from Wamena to the Muliama District specifically to inspect the execution of an agricultural land-clearing and crop program before the convoy was ambushed on Sept. 9, 2026.
Police Investigation and Suspect Pursuit
Law enforcement officials conducted a crime scene investigation on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, following the deaths of the three regional government employees. Task Force Humas Head for Peace Cartenz-2026, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that police have identified the general characteristics of the perpetrators. Initial witness statements indicate the armed group consisted of approximately eight individuals. Authorities confirmed that suspect identities are known and that tactical teams are actively pursuing the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event triggered the security response in Muliama District?
The incident involved the fatal shooting of three Jayawijaya Regency agriculture employees who were traveling in a convoy to inspect a regional farming project.
Who is leading the security and investigative operations?
Operations are being managed by the Peace Cartenz-2026 Task Force, led by Head of Operations Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani and Task Force Humas Head Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo.
What are authorities doing to locate the suspects?
Police have completed a crime scene investigation, gathered witness descriptions indicating an eight-person group allegedly from Nduga, and deployed teams to pursue the suspects.
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