Sorong, Jubi – Five individuals listed as wanted suspects (Daftar Pencarian Orang or DPO) in connection with a deadly attack in Bamusbama District, Tambrauw Regency, have surrendered after a mediation process facilitated by the the National Commission of Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the Tambrauw regency administration on Friday (April 3, 2026).

The five suspects—identified by their initials GY, YY, EY, KY, and MY—are believed to be affiliated with the Tentara Pembebasan Nasional Papua Barat (TPNPB-OPM), which was allegedly involved in an earlier attack that left a healthcare worker, a contract employee, and a civilian dead.

Head of Komnas HAM’s Papua representative office, Frits Ramandey, said the surrender followed intensive field negotiations. He noted that Tambrauw Regent Yeskiel Yesnath and local legislators personally went into forested areas to meet the suspects.

“This is significant, as the regent joined us in the field. We want to emphasize that in conflict areas, civilian leadership—particularly regional heads—should take the lead, not the military or police,” Ramandey said in Sorong.

In addition to the five suspects, authorities also secured the return of a minor who had fled into the forest out of fear following the incident.

Komnas HAM Commissioner for Monitoring and Investigation, Saurlin P. Siagian, stressed that the mediation prioritized ensuring the suspects’ legal rights in line with international human rights standards.

“We emphasize the prohibition of torture. Those detained must not face inhumane treatment, and we are ensuring they have access to legal counsel from the outset. Our mission is to break the cycle of violence by prioritizing a humanitarian approach,” Siagian said

The surrender comes in the aftermath of the Bamusbama incident, which triggered widespread displacement. Three villages—Salim, Sumbekas, and Banfot—were reported abandoned, with residents fleeing into forests or relocating to nearby villages such as Yembun and Sumbun due to fears over ongoing security operations.

“We found Banfot village completely emptied. Residents are requesting that military posts located within settlements be relocated outside village areas so they can safely resume daily activities,” Ramandey said.

Regent Yesnath affirmed that the local government would guarantee the suspects’ rights throughout the legal process while upholding the presumption of innocence.

“We are working toward reconciliation so that public services and government activities can return to normal. At the same time, we are ensuring that the rights of victims and their families are fulfilled, including the repatriation of remains to their hometowns,” he said.

Following the surrender, Komnas HAM has called for a reduction in the scale of security operations in residential areas, aiming to create conditions conducive for displaced residents to return home and to recommence the development efforts in Tambrauw. (*)