TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A wartime bomb left over from World War II exploded at the Fisheries Complex in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua. The blast occurred precisely on Walter Monginsidi Street in Fandoi Village.
As a result of the explosion, which occurred on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 14:45 Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT), five people were killed and three remain missing.
The five fatalities were identified as Deflin Raubaba, 41; Moris Raubaba, 24; Karmila Ayorbaba, 25; Israel Raubaba, 7; and Isril Raubaba, 5.
Meanwhile, the three missing individuals are Yulianus Raubaba, 26; Lae Madura, 45; and Abis Marandof, 27.
Coastal Search and Evacuations Underway
The police are still searching for the three missing individuals. "The search is still focused on the outer line, particularly on the coast, because it is considered unsafe to search around the scene," said Biak Numfor Police Chief Senior Commissioner Ari Trestiawan on Monday, June 1, 2026, as cited by Antara.
The explosion also injured 19 people and damaged nine houses. A total of 55 residents were evacuated since the blast site has not yet been deemed safe.
Ari explained that authorities have set up a police line around the location and are looking into the possibility of any remaining bombs. "The community is advised not to approach the scene as it is feared that there are still other bombs present," he said.
Bomb Disposal Team Uncovers Active Grenade
The Papua Regional Police have deployed a bomb disposal team from the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit to investigate the explosion. A total of 16 personnel, led by Senior Commissioner Hanasbey, have been dispatched to the area.
This team uncovered an active pineapple-type grenade during their initial inspection of the site on Monday night. "The investigators have not yet conducted the crime scene investigation as they are still waiting for the bomb disposal team to sanitize the area and declare it free from explosive materials," Ari said.
Read: WWII Bomb Explosion in Papua Kills Five, Three Missing
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