Bulldozer operator dies in Merauke plantation accident

A bulldozer operator, 53-year-old Daniel Tafui, died following a workplace accident at the PT Murni Nusantara Mandiri (MNM) plantation in the Jagebob District of Merauke, South Papua. The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at approximately 05:20 WIT.

Preliminary investigations suggest the accident happened when the operator attempted to take a shortcut through a pile of waste and uneven logs. The rough terrain reportedly caused the bulldozer to shake violently, causing Tafui to fall from the vehicle. The machine then continued to move without an operator until it struck a pile of wood.

Field supervisors discovered the unmanned vehicle and reported the incident to management. Following the accident, the victim was temporarily evacuated to the company clinic by Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) staff and Brimob personnel before being transferred to the Merauke Regional General Hospital. Local police have conducted a crime scene investigation and are questioning witnesses to determine the exact cause of the accident.