The revelation of the remains of 11 gold miners in Highland Papua after a brutal attack has sent shockwaves through the region. This article delves into the details of the recovery efforts, ongoing investigations, and the Indonesian government’s response to the tragic loss of life. Learn about the volatile situation surrounding illegal mining in Papua and the impact on the local community.
Bodies of Miners Recovered in Highland Papua Following Separatist Attack
Jayapura – Authorities have confirmed the retrieval of the remains of 11 illegal gold miners who were killed in a brutal attack in Highland Papua province on April 6, 2025. The victims were allegedly targeted by a separatist group operating in the remote region.
Recovery Efforts and Identification
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Inspector General Patrige Renwarin,Chief of the Papua Regional Police,announced the completion of the initial recovery phase.
It is true that the 11 miners,who fell victim too the massacre,have been evacuated,
he stated during the inauguration of eight resort police chiefs in Jayapura. -
Ten bodies were located across four separate illegal mining sites within the Yahukimo district. one additional body was found in the neighboring Pegunungan Bintang district.
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The bodies recovered from Yahukimo have been transported to a public hospital in Dekai sub-district for identification. as of the latest report, only two of the deceased have been positively identified.
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The body recovered from Pegunungan Bintang was taken to Boven Digoel district, South Papua province, for processing.
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Once identified, the bodies will be returned to their families for burial,
Renwarin confirmed, emphasizing the priority of providing closure to the grieving families.
ongoing Investigation and Search
While the 11 bodies have been recovered, authorities are not yet concluding the evacuation operation. the Papua Regional Police are awaiting further information to determine if the actual number of victims exceeds the initial reports. This cautious approach underscores the challenges of operating in the remote and often inaccessible terrain of Highland Papua.
Government Response and Denials
In the wake of the attack, the Indonesian government has firmly refuted claims made by the separatist group that the victims were military intelligence agents disguised as civilians. The Defense Ministry has asserted that all 11 individuals were confirmed to be civilian miners.
Indonesia remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing legal and peaceful means to address separatist movements in the Papua region.
Brig. General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, Head of the ministry’s Information Bureau
Brig. Gen. Inkiriwang further emphasized that Indonesian military personnel stationed in the region are solely responsible for maintaining security and protecting the civilian population. He also dismissed allegations that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) were involved in illegal mining activities in Papua as false.
Context: Illegal Mining in Papua
Illegal gold mining is a persistent issue in Papua, frequently enough occurring in remote areas with limited government oversight. These operations can attract individuals from various regions seeking economic opportunities, but they also pose significant risks due to the dangerous working conditions and potential for conflict with local groups.
