Jayapura, Jubi – A bomb explosion occurred at the Fisheries Complex on Walter Monginsidi Street, Fandoi Village, Biak Kota District, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, on Sunday (31/5/2026) at approximately 2:45 p.m. Papua Time.

The explosion, believed to have been caused by unexploded ordnance left over from World War II, killed five residents near the blast site, while three others remain missing.

Head of Public Relations of the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua), Senior Commissioner of Police Cahyo Sukarnito, said four of the five fatalities had been evacuated to Biak Regional General Hospital (RSUD Biak), while the fifth victim was taken to Biak Naval Hospital (RSAL Biak).

“Meanwhile, three other victims are still being searched for by a joint team, which continues to comb the area around the incident site,” Cahyo Sukarnito said in a written press statement on Sunday (31/5/2026) evening.

According to him, in addition to causing fatalities, the explosion also severely damaged six houses located near the blast site.

“Officers are currently conducting further assessments and data collection regarding the property damage caused by the incident,” he said.

Based on preliminary information gathered at the scene, the explosion occurred beneath one of the stilt houses in the complex. Several residents who were near the location became victims of the blast.

Personnel from the Biak Numfor Police, together with members of the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), local government officials, and other relevant agencies, immediately responded to the scene to evacuate victims, secure the area, and conduct further investigations.

Cahyo Sukarnito said police are currently prioritizing humanitarian efforts by evacuating victims and providing the best possible assistance to affected residents.

Polda Papua also expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The police’s primary focus remains victim assistance, evacuation efforts, and securing the location.

“Personnel on the ground continue to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure that all victims can be located as soon as possible and receive the necessary assistance,” he said.

According to witness accounts cited by Cahyo Sukarnito, the explosion occurred suddenly and produced an extremely loud blast, drawing the attention of nearby residents who then attempted to assist the victims.

Joint security personnel have also conducted area sweeps and security operations to anticipate the possible presence of other dangerous objects near the site.

Polda Papua urged the public to remain calm and avoid being influenced by unverified information.

“We will provide further updates once the search for victims and the investigation have been completed,” he said.

As of Sunday evening, the search for the three missing victims was ongoing, with police and joint emergency response teams continuing operations at the site. (*)