TVRI Papua Barat presenter Yanto Indorway was found dead in the Arfak Mountains on July 27, 2026, after initial reports that he had been swept away by the Memti River, prompting a murder investigation by the Papua Barat Regional Police that has led to two arrests.
Search Operations in the Arfak Mountains
Search and rescue teams discovered the body of TVRI Papua Barat presenter Yanto Indorway, also known as Suryanto Tuwing Idorway, on Monday, July 27, 2026, following a nine-day operation. According to Papua Barat Police Public Relations Head Commissioner Trihadi Kuncahyo, the victim was initially reported missing on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at approximately 11:05 WIT after allegedly being swept away by the current of the Memti River in the Arfak Mountains region.
A joint team comprising the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), local residents, volunteers, and family members carried out the search. Commissioner Trihadi Kuncahyo stated that personnel faced significant challenges during the operation, including fast-moving river currents, rugged and difficult terrain, and constantly changing weather conditions in the Arfak Mountains. The victim’s body was ultimately located in the Memti River flow approximately 10 meters from the initial point where he was reported to have fallen and drifted.
Transition From Missing Persons Case to Homicide Investigation
What initially began as a missing persons search transitioned into a criminal inquiry after investigators uncovered indications of a criminal act.
Following the case screening based on police report number LP/A/1/VII/2026/Polres Pegunungan Arfak/Polda Papua Barat, investigators concluded that at least two sufficient pieces of evidence had been fulfilled. Commissioner Trihadi Kuncahyo confirmed that two men, identified by their initials as D and P, were officially named suspects in the case.
Legal Charges and Police Commitment
Authorities have charged the two suspects with homicide and/or assault resulting in death. Commissioner Trihadi Kuncahyo outlined that investigators applied Article 458 paragraph (1) and/or Article 466 paragraph (3) in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP).
Commissioner Trihadi Kuncahyo emphasized that the Papua Barat Police remain committed to handling the case in a professional, transparent, and accountable manner to ensure legal certainty for all involved parties. Police have urged the public to refrain from speculation and to allow investigators to complete the legal process.
Keep reading