Police in the Papua Mountains are actively hunting down an armed group suspected of shooting three civil servants from the Jayawijaya Regency Agriculture Service on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force reported the latest case developments, noting that officers recovered critical physical evidence, including three bullet casings and traces of blood, directly from the crime scene.
Evidence Recovered at the Muliama District Attack Site
According to the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Public Relations Task Force Head, Senior Superintendent Yusuf Sutejo, investigators retrieved three shell casings during the crime scene investigation on Friday, September 11, 2026. Two of the recovered cartridges measured 5.56 millimeters in caliber, which are standard ammunition components for long-barreled firearms. The third shell casing measured 9 millimeters, corresponding to ammunition utilized in short-barreled firearms. In addition to these casings, officers located distinct traces of blood at the location, which investigators have folded into the ongoing effort to uncover the full sequence of events.
Did You Know? The targeted civil servants were returning to Wamena from Muliama District after inspecting rice paddy fields and distributing essential food and livestock aid to local residents when the attack occurred at approximately 3:53 p.m.
Perpetrator Identification and Ongoing Manhunt
Investigators have taken statements from the surviving victim’s witnesses and consulted directly with the Jayawijaya Sub-regional Police. Based on these comprehensive interviews, authorities established the specific characteristics of the assailants and successfully identified the suspects involved. Initial witness statements indicate that the attacking faction comprised approximately eight individuals armed with two long-barreled firearms. While security forces have a clear roster of names, police continue to investigate the current whereabouts of the short-barreled firearm tied to the 9-millimeter shell casing found at the site. Senior Superintendent Yusuf Sutejo confirmed that the operation to capture the suspects is actively underway.
Investigation Trajectory and Anticipated Operational Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was targeted in the shooting incident?
The attack targeted a group of 11 civil servants from the Jayawijaya Regency Agriculture Service.
What evidence did police recover from the crime scene?
Officers found three bullet casings—two 5.56-millimeter cartridges and one 9-millimeter cartridge—alongside traces of blood.
Which group is suspected of carrying out the attack?
Police suspect the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) originating from the Nduga region.
What steps will security forces take next to secure accountability in this region?
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