Manokwari, Jubi – A joint team from the Manokwari Police Criminal Investigation Unit and Amban Police have arrested PH, a 21-year-old university student, over an altercation with a Dutch national on Cendrawasih Street in Amban, Manokwari Regency, West Papua Province, on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The arrest followed a report filed by a 26-year-old Dutch national identified by the initials YD, who was allegedly assaulted in the incident.
Manokwari Police Criminal Investigation Unit chief AKP Agung Gumara Samosir said PH had been named a suspect after being arrested at a barding house in the Insipuri Amban area on Monday, October 26, 2026.
“The suspect initially intended to extort the victim. He was under influence of alcohol and wanted to extort the victim,” Agung said on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
He said the incident began at around 10am Papua time, when six Dutch nationals left a hotel in Manokwari and headed towards Mount Meja in Amban.
At around 11am, the group encountered the suspect and three other men who were involved in a heated argument and shouting at one another. As the Dutch group attempted to pass them, the suspect shouted at the visitors.
The three men accompanying the suspect tried to calm his down and apologised to the Dutch group. They explained that the suspect was under the influence of alcohol and urged the visitors to continue their journey.
However, the suspect allegedly attempted to attack the group with a wooden stock. YD then tried to defend himself and protect his companions, leading to a physical altercation between the two men.
“As a result of the incident, Mr YD sustained an injury to his left ear and bruising on his left arm,” Agung said.
Following an intensive investigation, the joint police team received information that the suspect was staying at a boarding house in the Inspuri Amban area on Monday. Officers went to the location, arrested PH and took him to Manokwari Police headquarters for further legal proceedings.
Agunf said PH had been formally named a suspect and that the case would be handled professionally in accordance with legal procedures.
“The suspect has been taken into custody, and evidence has been secured for further investigation. We will not tolerate criminal acts that threaten public safety. Every report will be followed up promptly and professionally,” he said.
PH has been charged under Article 466 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code, Law No. 1 of 2023, concerning assault, which carries penalties in accordance with applicable law.
Meanwhile, the Dutch victim was reported to have left Manokwari for Jayapura, for tourism purposes. (*)
