Workers evacuated from Papua gold mine after armed attack kills two
Monday, February 23 2026 - 09:15 PM WIB
Security forces are evacuating employees from a gold mining site in Central Papua after an armed group attack killed two people, police said.
Nabire Police Chief Samuel Tatiratu said the evacuation involved workers of PT Kristalin Nabire, including 26 Chinese nationals, following the assault carried out by a group led by Aibon Kogoya.
“We are currently trying to evacuate employees, including 26 Chinese nationals, from the mining site,” Tatiratu said, adding that the operation aims to prevent further security risks.
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Authorities said about 75 people had been evacuated on Feb. 21, while search operations continue along the Musairo River. One victim remains unidentified pending autopsy results at Nabire Regional Hospital.
Kristalin Nabire said the attack occurred on Saturday afternoon between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and expressed regret over the incident, which also involved the burning of a security post near the Kali Musairo SP1 Lagari Dam.
Company officials said the site of the attack was outside its operational area. Security forces continue evacuation and search efforts as authorities assess the situation.
Editing by Alexander Ginting