Papuaaround.com – Security measures in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua, have been significantly reinforced following the death of a key leader of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) during a law enforcement operation on Thursday evening, November 7, 2025.
Authorities have intensified security operations as a follow-up to a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the local security situation. The move aims to prevent potential disturbances from armed group members still active in the region.
Papua Police Public Relations Chief, Police Commissioner Cahyo Sukarnito, explained that the decision to strengthen security in Yahukimo was based on the latest situation assessment. According to him, law enforcement officers are focusing on maintaining stability to ensure public safety and the continuity of community activities.
Joint personnel from the Yahukimo Police, the Mobile Brigade Unit (Brimob), and the Damai Cartenz Task Force have been conducting routine patrols across several strategic points. Temporary security posts have also been established in vulnerable areas to deter any possible retaliatory actions following the death of a key KKB figure.
Cahyo emphasized that patrols are being carried out intensively, especially at night, to detect suspicious movements. “We continue to monitor developments on the ground to ensure the community remains safe,” he stated.
The neutralized KKB leader was identified as Lipes Sobolim, also known as Cocor Sobolim, who claimed to be the Commander of the Semut Merah Battalion under the Yahukimo Defense Region Command (Kodap Yahukimo). According to police data dated October 23, 2025, Yahukimo recorded 22 major incidents resulting in 34 fatalities linked to armed group activities.
Although the situation briefly escalated following the operation, current conditions in Yahukimo’s capital are reported to be stable and under control. Residents have resumed their daily routines, while security forces continue to maintain a presence to prevent further disturbances.
In a separate operation, another KKB member, Jayainus Pogau alias Supi Pogau, was arrested by the Damai Cartenz Task Force in collaboration with the Nabire Police on Friday, October 31, 2025, around 3:10 p.m. local time. The arrest took place at Kalibobo Market in Nabire Regency, Central Papua.
Pogau is known to be the Commander of the Hetobia Battalion under the Nduga Defense Region Command (Kodap III Nduga), led by Aibon Kogoya. Investigations revealed that Pogau had long been on the police’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in multiple armed assaults that disrupted security in Nduga and neighboring areas.
The Head of the Damai Cartenz Operation, Police Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that the arrest stemmed from intelligence surveillance conducted earlier that morning. Once Pogau’s identity was confirmed, officers quickly moved in to apprehend him without resistance. He described the success as the result of strong coordination between the regional police and the national task force.
Brigjen Faizal further explained that these efforts form part of a broader strategy to suppress armed group activities in Papua’s highland regions. He emphasized that law enforcement operations are not only repressive but also preventive, aimed at reducing risks to civilians.
The increased security presence in Yahukimo demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining stability after the recent operation. With coordinated actions across various security units, authorities aim to preserve peace and protect the public from further violence.
Residents are encouraged to remain calm, continue their daily routines, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Law enforcement agencies reaffirm their commitment to ensuring safety and upholding peace across Highland Papua.
