Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesian military personnel have seized 21,400 cannabis plants from fields in Yahukimo, Papua Highlands. Authorities estimated the plants were worth around Rp8 billion.
Members of the Yonif 725/Woroagi task force found the fields in Ibiroma and Hesmat villages, Kurima District, Yahukimo Regency. The operation took place several days before the announcement.
Kogabwilhan III Commander Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto said 78 personnel took part in the operation. They conducted the operation under Operation Kinetik 3.18 as part of the Habema Operations Command task force.
“The clearing of the cannabis fields was carried out as part of Operation Kinetik 3.18, involving 78 personnel from Yonif 725/WRG of the Habema Operations Command task force,” Lucky said in a written statement on Friday, September 11, 2026.
The troops searched both villages and cleared the cannabis plants they found. According to information gathered in the field, authorities suspect the fields were connected to activities by the OPM group led by Egianus Kogoya.
However, the statement only described the alleged connection. It did not provide further details about who owned or operated the fields.
Lucky said the seizure aims to prevent the distribution and abuse of narcotics in Papua Highlands.
“The discovery of tens of thousands of cannabis plants was secured as part of efforts to prevent the distribution and abuse of narcotics in the Papua Highlands,” he said.
Meanwhile, the TNI said it would continue supporting efforts to maintain security and stability in Papua. The military also pledged to assist the government in combating narcotics distribution and abuse.
The TNI also rewarded the personnel involved in the operation. The reward recognized their dedication and success during the mission.
