Shootout in Yahukimo leaves four Eden Sawi fighters dead

Four members of the Eden Sawi Battalion were killed in a gun battle with Indonesia’s Damai Cartenz Task Force in Dekai, Yahukimo, Papua, according to the task force.

Task force chief Faizal Ramadhani said officers acted after discovering plans for the group to hold a consolidation meeting at a safe house near the former Yahukimo Election Commission office on Jalan Miyaro. A joint team arrived at about 4:35 p.m. local time on Tuesday and came under fire from Eden Sawi members who were guarding the site.

Faizal said officers fired warning shots into the air, but the shooting continued. Several alleged fighters fled toward a forest while carrying firearms and continued shooting at personnel. The task force then took what he described as “firm and measured action.” Four bodies were evacuated to Dekai Regional Hospital for examination and further identification. Three were initially identified by the initials EH, also known as E, YK, also known as LY, and M. The identity of the fourth person remained under investigation.

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Officers had already fired warning shots, but the shooting continued. Therefore, firm and measured action was taken.

Authorities also detained six people suspected of involvement in the Eden Sawi Battalion. The six, identified by the initials BK, PM, DH, NJK, PA and AS, were taken to Yahukimo police headquarters along with the seized evidence. Officials said they were still examining the suspects’ identities, activities, roles and possible links to the armed group, and would not draw conclusions before the process was complete.

The operation formed part of a law-enforcement effort targeting people suspected of crimes in Yahukimo. Officials linked it to a wanted-person case involving the alleged killings of Yonathan Arruan and Asri Obet in Dekai on April 30, 2023, as well as an alleged attack on health workers and teachers in Anggruk district on March 21 and 22, 2025.

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The six people who were detained are still being examined. We are continuing to investigate their identities, activities, roles and links. The process is ongoing, and we will not rush to determine their status before the examination is complete.