DEKAI – The security situation in Yahukimo Regency has heated up again following reports of arbitrary arrests of four civilians by TNI-Polri personnel on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
The incident was reported to have occurred at around 11:00 WIT at the residence of Danton Giban, S.Pd., a member of the DPRP of the Papua Highlands Province, located on Kurima Street, Dekai.
Based on a report released by the Human Rights Defender (HRD) sourced from theology and humanitarian activist, Nabi W. Heluka, the apparatus entered the residence without showing an official arrest warrant.
In addition to securing the residents, the apparatus also seized items belonging to the occupants of the house such as farming tools (machetes and axes), cooking utensils, and the victims' mobile phones. The arrest process was reported to have been carried out repressively, where the victims were transported using a service vehicle belonging to the Marine unit.
The identities of the four civilians secured are Kablik Giban (Head of Sianele Village, Silimo District), Matus Giban (Student), Tonny Giban, and Weak Heluka (Student).
Until now, the family states that the whereabouts of the four residents are still unknown, which has triggered deep concern regarding their safety.
The families and relatives of the victims feel greatly disadvantaged by the actions of the security forces stationed in Sumohai, Dekai, as they consider the arrests carried out to resemble the handling of criminals without valid legal procedures.
This condition reinforces the status of the region, which is assessed to be in a state of emergency.
"The Yahukimo area is in a military emergency zone and a humanitarian emergency. All parties please advocate for civilians because arrests are always without procedure, especially in Yahukimo Regency," emphasized Nabi W. Heluka in the report forwarded by HRD.
Humanitarian agencies are requested to immediately conduct an investigation and ensure legal protection for civilians amidst the increasing tension in the Yahukimo region. ***