Inp.polri.go.id - Biak. Papua Regional Police’s Mobile Brigade deployed a bomb disposal unit to Biak Numfor following the explosion of a World War II-era bomb on Sunday 31 May 2026. The blast occurred in a residential area near a fisheries complex, killing five people and destroying four houses.

A 16-member bomb squad led by Assistant Senior Inspector Hanasbey was dispatched to secure the site and investigate whether additional unexploded ordnance remains.

“The team immediately inspected the location to ensure safety and prevent further incidents,” he said.

Biak Police Chief Superintendent Ari Trestiawan confirmed that the area has been cordoned off with police lines. Residents were urged to avoid the site until it is declared safe.

The explosion, which occurred at 2.45 pm, also left three people missing. Authorities said that the bomb was a remnant of WWII, underscoring the ongoing risks posed by historical munitions in the Pacific region.

(mg/ax/pr/rs)