Brutal: OPM Kills Travel Driver, Body Found in Burnt Vehicle

The TNI Habema Operations Command has identified the OPM Kodap III Ndugama armed group as the perpetrators of violence against a travel driver named Aris Sanda, whose body was found alongside his burnt vehicle in the Lake Habema area, Highland Papua.

The Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lt Col Inf. Wirya Arthadiguna, stated in a briefing received in Jakarta on Wednesday, that the incident began when the victim was transporting passengers via the Wamena route towards Mbua on Tuesday, 15 September, at approximately 06:00 WIT.

“A driver named Aris Sanda, also known as Mr Tasya, originally from Toraja, was reported to be a victim of violence by the OPM Kodap III Ndugama armed group, which resulted in his death,” he said.

Wirya explained that Aris was transporting several passengers using an open-back vehicle before his vehicle was intercepted by the armed group mid-journey.

“The group then conducted an inspection of the driver and the passengers,” he added.

Following the inspection, the passengers were ordered to return to Wamena, while Aris was detained and taken by the group towards the direction of Lake Habema.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, personnel from Koops TNI Habema conducted search and sweep operations around the location on Wednesday.

The team subsequently discovered a vehicle in a burnt condition along with the remains of Aris.

“TNI Habema carried out searches and sweeps around the scene. The team then found one unit of a vehicle in a burnt condition along with the driver’s body,” said Wirya.

Personnel subsequently evacuated the victim’s body while following security procedures.

According to Wirya, the exact cause of Aris’s death is still under investigation.

Koops TNI Habema stated that they will pursue the parties suspected of involvement and strengthen security in the region.

“Koops TNI Habema will continue its efforts to handle the involved armed group, including conducting pursuits and supporting the law enforcement process in accordance with applicable regulations, in order to prevent further casualties and provide a sense of security to the community,” he said.