Mimika kidnapping: Nine civilians remain missing after armed group attack

One week after an attack on a security post in the Jila District of Mimika Regency, Papua Tengah, the whereabouts of nine kidnapped civilians remain unknown. The incident, which occurred on August 17, 2026, involved an attack by an armed civilian group that resulted in the death of one Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldier and one female civilian. Another woman sustained broken bones while attempting to protect children during the attack.

Mimika Police Chief AKBP Alredo Agustinus Rumbiak stated that investigations are ongoing but have faced challenges due to difficult geography and a lack of key witnesses. While police are currently processing the crime scene and gathering chronological data, they have not yet located the victims or the perpetrators.

The Komnas HAM Papua representative, Frits Ramandey, reported that evidence has been obtained via video showing the nine victims with their hands tied, being escorted by three individuals carrying the Bintang Kejora flag. The group has been identified as part of the TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama. In response, the Forum Peduli Masyarakat Indonesia (FPMI) in Papua Tengah has urged the government to take decisive action to resolve the humanitarian crisis and ensure the safety of civilians.