Police elevate TVRI Papua Barat presenter death to investigation

Police have upgraded the handling of the death of TVRI Papua Barat presenter Suryanto Tuwing Idorway, also known as Yanto Idorway, from a preliminary inquiry to a formal investigation after a case review found indications of a criminal offense. The case is being handled by Polres Pegunungan Arfak with assistance from the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Polda Papua Barat. Investigators are tracing the sequence of events through witness statements, forensic results, the crime scene examination and evidence. So far, 23 witnesses have been questioned and the number could still rise. The autopsy results have also been received, but police will still seek further explanation from experts. Investigators are applying Article 466 paragraph (3) of the Criminal Code on assault resulting in death. Yanto had earlier been reported swept away by currents at Air Terjun Memti, Kampung Sisrang, Pegunungan Arfak Regency, on 18 July 2026. His body was found on 27 July after a SAR search.