Aris Sanda Dies in Burnt Car, Wife Evacuated by TNI Using Two Helicopters

A sense of mourning continues to surround Sinta Bilolo, the wife of driver Aris Sanda, who was killed in a shooting on the Trans Wamena route in Highland Papua. Amidst this tragedy, Sinta was forced to travel from the Mbua District towards Wamena.

However, Sinta’s journey could not be undertaken via land due to ongoing access constraints. Consequently, the TNI Habema Operational Command ultimately evacuated Sinta via air on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

The evacuation was carried out under the orders of the Commander of TNI Habema Operational Command, Brigadier General Polisi TNI Riyanto. Sinta was flown alongside two companions, Haryati and Murni.

“From Mbua, Mrs Sinta, along with two companions, Mrs Haryati and Mrs Murni, were evacuated using a Bell helicopter and a Fennec helicopter,” he stated on Friday, 18 September 2026.

Their journey did not end upon leaving Mbua. The helicopters transported the three individuals as far as Kenyam, Nduga Regency. From Kenyam, the journey continued using a Caravan aircraft towards Wamena. Riyanto confirmed that the entire evacuation process proceeded safely and smoothly.

This aerial evacuation was undertaken considering Sinta’s state of mourning and the difficulties regarding land access to Wamena.

“Mrs Sinta is in a period of mourning and requires a safe journey. When land access was not yet possible, I ordered the units to provide air evacuation assistance so that she and her companions could reach Wamena safely,” he remarked.

Aris Sanda was previously a victim of a shooting carried out by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) or Armed Criminal Group (KKB) on the Trans Wamena route several days ago.

Riyanto noted that Papua’s geographical conditions and limited access should not hinder efforts to provide assistance to those in need, especially as Sinta is facing a difficult time following the loss of her husband.

“In situations like this, safety and humanity must be the priority,” he said.

The TNI Habema Operational Command stated that the state’s presence among the community is not solely related to security aspects. In certain situations, this presence is also manifested through humanitarian aid, including assisting members of the public who require safe passage amidst limited access.

Through this evacuation, Sinta and her two companions were finally able to continue their journey to Wamena via air routes.