Armed criminal group injures five healthcare workers in Papua

The attackers also confiscated communication devices such as cellphones, as well as the victims' identity documents, and forcibly stripped male health workers to their underwear.

2023_10_27_143725_1698368259._large.jpg

Residents of Amuma district in Yahukimo regency, Papua Highlands, unload humanitarian aid from a cargo airplane at an airstrip on Oct. 26, 2023. PHOTO: ANTARA/THE JAKARTA POST

November 3, 2023

JAKARTA  – An armed criminal group (KKB) attacked the Amuma community health center (Puskesmas) in Yahukimo regency, Papua, on Tuesday, injuring five healthcare workers, a security official said on Thursday.

“The attack took place on Tuesday at around 10 a.m. local time when the health workers were working at the Puskesmas,” Operation Damai Cartenz spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Bayu Suseno said on Thursday. in a written statement

“The perpetrators were a group of about 20 KKB members armed with machetes, bows and arrows and firearms.”

The health workers suffered multiple injuries.

Angganita Mandowen, 41, sustained bruising to both eyes; Sandy Ransar, 23, suffered bruising to the left cheek; Ferdinandus Suweni, 33, suffered bruising to the face and chest; Danur Widura, 39, sustained extensive bruising to the face, back and chest; while Adrianus Edwardus Harapan, 32, suffered lacerations to his left hand and lower lip, as well as contusions to the back and face.

The attackers also confiscated communication devices such as cellphones, as well as the victims’ identity documents, and forcibly stripped male health workers to their underwear.

The five healthcare workers have been transported by air to Jayapura.

Operation Damai Cartenz personnel are currently investigating the attack.

scroll to top