Rising insurgency in Papua: Indonesia triples troops as high-value militants are captured

Security forces in Indonesia’s Papua Highlands have captured three key insurgent leaders following a surge in violence in Yahukimo Regency. The arrests, announced Monday by the Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force, come after a dramatic increase in attacks over the first six weeks of 2026, prompting a significant military and police buildup.

Escalation of Violence in Yahukimo

The current crisis stems from the February 25, 2025, escape of Penihas “Kopi Tua” Heluka from Wamena Prison. Heluka, commander of the Yamue Battalion of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), has since consolidated factions and shifted tactics toward attacks in the regional capital, Dekai.

Security data shows a stark increase in incidents, rising from three in early 2025 to 23 in the same period of 2026. The violence has expanded from jungle skirmishes to include attacks on essential infrastructure, such as the burning of schools, shootings of commercial aircraft, and the assassination of civilian logistics drivers.

The Manhunt and Recent Arrests

In response to the escalating violence, the Indonesian government tripled its security presence in Yahukimo, increasing personnel from 80 in early January to 250 by mid-February. This buildup led to the arrest of 12 suspects between November and February.

The recent breakthrough culminated in the capture of three “Priority Targets.” Those arrested include Homi Heluka, linked to the 2022 killing of a Brimob officer and recent school destructions; Enage Hiluka, suspected in the September 2025 murder of a teacher; and Kotor Payage, implicated in a February 12 attempted assassination.

Strategic Transfer to Jayapura

On February 23, 2026, the three leaders were flown under heavy guard to Jayapura, the provincial capital. Task Force spokesperson Kombes Pol. Yusuf Sutejo stated the transfer was a preventative measure, citing Heluka’s history of prison escapes and the potential for a violent rescue attempt.

The suspects are currently being held at the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) headquarters for interrogation to identify remaining insurgent networks.

Threats and Regional Impact

The instability in Yahukimo has impacted regional diplomacy. In January 2026, Kopi Tua Heluka issued a direct threat against Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, leading to the cancellation of a planned state visit. The February 11 shooting of a Smart Air aircraft, a critical link for supplies in the Highlands, has also raised concerns from international aviation and humanitarian groups.

While the arrests represent a significant victory for Jakarta, authorities continue to search for Kopi Tua Heluka, whose continued freedom poses an ongoing threat to stability in the Papua Highlands.