inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force recorded a significant increase in security disturbances in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains, in early 2026. 

This situation prompted authorities to gradually strengthen their personnel and intensify enforcement against a number of priority Wanted Persons (DPOs).

The Head of 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force, Brigadier General Faisal Ramadhani, in a press statement in Jayapura on Friday (2/20/2026), revealed that the trend of violence perpetrated by Armed Criminal Groups (KKB) had experienced a drastic increase compared to the same period the previous year.

According to the data presented, three security disturbances were recorded between January and February 2025. Meanwhile, during the same period in 2026, that number had increased to 23 incidents by mid-February.

"There's a very significant escalation, and we predicted this. This escalation has increased since the escape of Kopi Tua Heluka from Wamena Prison on February 25, 2025. Since then, security disturbances in Yahukimo have continued to grow," said Faisal.

To suppress the movement of armed groups, the Task Force has massively mobilized its personnel since the beginning of the year. In January 2026, the number of personnel was increased from around 80 to 150. Then, in February 2026, another 50 personnel were added, bringing the total force deployed in Yahukimo to around 250.

"This increase is focused on preventing attacks and pursuing group members who are already on our wanted list," he emphasized.

From November 2025 to February 2026, the Task Force has apprehended 12 suspects. Most recently, the joint team succeeded in arresting two fugitives who were considered to have played an important role in a number of violent acts in Yahukimo, namely Homi Heluka and Simak Kipka.

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