RRI.CO.ID, Wamena - High-stakes search and rescue operations along the Uwe River have successfully recovered 24 victims following the collapse of the Wouma suspension bridge, a disaster that subsequently triggered a severe intertribal conflict in Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua. Joint rescue teams have been working continuously at the site to locate victims and de-escalate growing regional tensions.

The joint task force, comprising personnel from the Jayawijaya Police, the 1702/Jayawijaya Military Command, and the Wamena National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Post, has focused its efforts on the river since the structural failure occurred on the evening of May 7, 2026. Authorities revealed that navigating conflicting community accounts regarding the total number of missing persons has presented a significant challenge during the multi-day deployment.

"Honestly, up until this very second, we have not obtained accurate data on how many victims fell due to the collapse of the Wouma suspension bridge. Information regarding casualties from the Wouma suspension bridge remains unverified, with figures circulating between 7, 20, 33, and 38," said Jayawijaya Police Chief, Adj. Sr. Com. Anak Agung Made Satriya Bimantara, in Wamena on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

The ambiguity surrounding the exact number of casualties was further complicated by false alarms within the community. In one instance, a resident reported as deceased was later located alive by investigators.

Despite these data discrepancies, the joint forces maintained their search grid to provide closure to grieving relatives and lower the emotional volatility surrounding the incident.

"However, we continue our search efforts in order to reduce the tension and emotions of the victims' families. We conducted that search for up to eight days before the intertribal war broke out in Wamena," explained the Police Chief, as quoted by Antara.

The rescue operation has strategically divided its focus across three critical zones along the river's current. The search grid extends directly from the site of the collapsed suspension bridge down to the river mouth near the Wouma Bridge, encompassing the areas behind Wamena Airport and Yikuba.

"The total number of bodies or victims found up to today is 24 people. And we continue to carry out search efforts together with the joint team from both the military command and Basarnas," concluded the Police Chief. ***