Papuaaround.com – An Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldier died after being stabbed at Bhinntuka Market, SP 13, Kuala Kencana District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. The local police have confirmed the incident, and an investigation into the suspect’s identity and motive is ongoing.
Mimika Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head, AKP Rian Oktaria, stated that the victim succumbed to his injuries following the attack. He confirmed that the investigation remains active and the perpetrator has yet to be identified or apprehended.
“The victim has died. The suspect is still under investigation,” he said in a brief statement.
The Mimika Police Chief, AKBP Bilyandha Hildiario Budiman, also confirmed the fatal incident. However, he explained that the detailed chronology of events is still being compiled and will be made public at a later time.
“For the full chronology, we will provide further information soon,” Budiman noted.
As of Sunday night, the soldier’s body has been transferred to the Level IV Hospital in Timika, managed by Kesdam XVII/Cenderawasih. Medical staff and military personnel are handling the postmortem process, while family members have reportedly been informed.
Both TNI authorities and the local police continue to carry out a joint investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. Officers have been dispatched to review the crime scene and collect testimonies from potential witnesses around the marketplace.
A video circulating on social media, particularly in WhatsApp groups, appears to show the immediate aftermath of the attack. In the 1-minute-and-14-second footage, a man—allegedly the head of the local neighborhood unit (RT) in the market complex—can be seen recording the scene while running and shouting for help.
The video depicts a soldier lying on the ground, bleeding heavily. He is dressed in a TNI camouflage uniform, and the surrounding area appears deserted, with only a few military personnel visible arriving at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the deceased soldier, and no official information has been provided regarding the cause of the altercation. Security remains tight around the market area as investigators work to reconstruct the timeline of events and identify any suspects involved.
The incident has sparked concern among residents and local community leaders, particularly as it occurred in a public space during daylight hours. Law enforcement has urged the public to remain calm and cooperate by sharing any information that might assist in the investigation.
At this stage, authorities have confirmed the soldier died from his injuries after the stabbing. The case is being handled as a fatal assault, with both military and police investigators working to uncover the full circumstances. The identity of the perpetrator remains unknown, and officials have pledged to pursue the investigation until justice is served.