inp.polri.go.id - Bintang Mountains. Joint officers continue to intensively handle the murder of gold miners in Awimbon District, Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua Mountains. To date, authorities are prioritizing the evacuation of victims, the search for residents reported to have survived, and the pursuit of the perpetrators.
Based on preliminary data received by officers, the death toll has reached 10. However, this number is likely to increase as several gold miners are reportedly still hiding in the forest.
Based on initial investigations and analysis of circulating videos, the murders are suspected to have been carried out by the Yamue Battalion Armed Criminal Group (KKB), led by Ronald Hiluka, also known as Dejang Hiluka. The group is estimated to number 15 individuals, armed with one AR-15 and several homemade firearms.
The 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force, along with elements of the Boven Digoel Regency Regional Leadership Communication Forum, continues to coordinate to support the investigation, secure the area, and expedite the evacuation of victims.
Officers are also investigating the perpetrators' network and gathering evidence in the field for law enforcement purposes.
Although the incident occurred in Bintang Mountains Regency, access to the location is more accessible through Tanah Merah, Boven Digoel Regency. Due to the challenging geographical conditions and dense forest, the evacuation process involved clearing paths to the location.
The advance post and temporary evacuation point are centralized in Tanah Merah, supported by joint personnel who continue to expedite the search and evacuation process. In addition to evacuating the deceased, officers are also conducting a search and rescue for survivors who are still reportedly hiding in the forest.
The murder of the gold miner occurred on May 18, 2026, in a protected forest area within the Awimbon District mining area, Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua. The Head of the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that all personnel will maximize the evacuation and investigation process to ensure the situation remains under control and the victims are quickly found.
"Our main focus right now is rescuing survivors, evacuating the deceased, and pursuing the perpetrators in a professional and measured manner," said Faizal Ramadhani, Friday (5/22/2026).
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