A civilian carpenter named Daniel Datti, 41, was killed in an attack by members of an armed criminal group at SMP YPK Yakpesmi in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, in Indonesia’s Highland Papua province.

The incident occurred on Monday morning, February 2, while Daniel was working at the school making classroom furniture, including chairs and tables. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots from behind the school building. Daniel attempted to escape toward the teachers’ room but was cornered by three attackers, one armed with a homemade long firearm, another with an axe, while a third reportedly recorded the attack.

Unable to flee, the victim was assaulted inside the teachers’ room and sustained fatal injuries before the attackers fled the scene.

Police from the Yahukimo district arrived shortly afterward, secured the area, and transported Daniel’s body to Dekai General Hospital for forensic examination. Investigators collected physical evidence at the scene, including glass fragments, stones, clothing, and metal pieces believed to be from projectiles. The attack also caused damage to school property, including broken classroom windows and a damaged vehicle parked on the premises.

Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and have increased security patrols in the area, stressing the importance of keeping educational facilities safe.