A security force operation in the KM 4 Logpon area of Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan province on 17 July 2026, reportedly resulted in the death of two members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and one civilian named Mr Yafoluk Heluka (see photo om top, source: independent HRD). According to information published by Damai Cartenz Task Force Unit, all three persons killed were associated with the TPNPB. The conflicting information regarding the alleged civilian status of one victim requires an independent and transparent investigation into the case.
According to the information received, joint personnel from the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and the Damai Cartenz Task Force conducted an operation in the Logpon area at approximately 05.45 am after receiving intelligence concerning the presence of TPNPB members. Authorities claimed that officers encountered armed resistance and responded the fire near civilian settlements, causing residents to flee out of fear of being shot or arrested. Following the shooting, security force members allegedly seized three firearms, 43 rounds of ammunition, bladed weapons, a radio, and several mobile phones. Four people identified by the initials OH, SM, MM and LM were reportedly taken into custody for questioning, while the three bodies were admitted to Dekai Regional General Hospital.
Human rights analysis
Under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Indonesian authorities must protect the right to life. Moreover, the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death obliges authorities to investigate any potentially unlawful death involving state agents. Where an operation is conducted as a law-enforcement action, lethal force may only be used when strictly unavoidable to protect life. Authorities must preserve the scene, conduct independent forensic examinations and autopsies, document all injuries, examine the weapons allegedly seized and disclose the identities and legal status of those detained. Any investigation into the case should comply with the Minnesota Protocol.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-105-2026
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298) Logpon area of Dekai district
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
1. Yafoluk Heluka, diverse adult Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
Period of incident: 17/07/2026-17/07/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces
Perpetrator details: personnel from the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and the Damai Cartenz Task Force
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
Sources: Suara Papua, Indonesiadefense.com, CNN Indonesia