Papuaaround.com – A joint team of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) carried out a crime scene investigation on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in Ulakin Village, Kolof Braza District, Asmat Regency. The operation followed a deadly shooting that claimed the life of Indra Guru Wardana and was accompanied by the burning of residential houses, allegedly carried out by an armed criminal group operating in the area.
The investigation was directly supervised by the Asmat Police Chief, AKBP Wahyu Basuki, through the Commander of the Samapta Unit, Iptu Irwan, who served as field officer in charge of reinforcement at the Suator Police sector. The team consisted of personnel from multiple divisions, including Suator Police Chief Ipda Muklis Subandi, Suator Military Commander Lettu Yonderson Taawe, Serka Piter Awak, logistics officer Bripka Riyanto, forensic identification officer Bripka Antonius Kateng, five additional members of the Asmat Police, and one soldier from the Agats Military Command.
The group departed from Binam Village, Suator District, at 10:02 a.m. local time and traveled by river toward Ulakin. Heavy rainfall caused the river current to surge, making the journey more challenging. Upon arrival, the team discovered a house reduced to ashes along with traces pointing to the violent attack.
Despite a thorough crime scene examination, officers did not recover the victim’s remains. According to Asmat Police Chief Wahyu Basuki, strong currents likely swept the body into the river.
“When officers arrived at the scene, the body of the late Indra Guru Wardana was not found. It is strongly suspected that the victim was carried away by the river flow, which complicates the search effort. The water level continues to rise, and much of the village is submerged,” he explained.
Adverse weather conditions and the river’s swift current have posed significant obstacles for the search and evacuation teams. Security forces are conducting monitoring activities along the riverbanks and have sought assistance from local residents to provide information that may lead to the recovery of the body.
The joint presence of TNI and Polri in the village also aimed to reassure residents and maintain public order following the attack. Authorities emphasized that firm measures will be taken against armed groups threatening the safety of the community.
“We will continue coordinating with the military and local government to secure the region and ensure residents feel safe,” the police chief stated.
As of the latest update, the search for the victim’s body remains ongoing. Officials have urged villagers to remain vigilant and promptly report any signs that may assist in the recovery process. The incident has heightened concerns over security in Asmat, a region that has experienced sporadic violence in recent years.
