Cartenz Peace Task Force Arrests Five in KKB Firearms Network

Jayapura (ANTARA) - The Cartenz Peace Task Force (Satgas ODC) has arrested five individuals suspected of being part of a network supplying firearms to an armed criminal group (KKB) in the Yalimo-Yahukimo region. The five suspects, identified by the initials AG, FCRG, JT, IK, and MK, were arrested on Tuesday (7/7) at various locations in Jayapura city. Head of Public Relations for the ODC Task Force, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated on Thursday that one of the four arrested, AG, was already on the wanted list (DPO) for his role as an intermediary in the illegal firearms network in Yalimo–Yahukimo. AG was listed as a wanted person based on Police Report Number: LP/A/1/III/2026/Ditkrimum/Polda Papua, dated 13 March. The arrest of the group involved in supplying firearms and ammunition to the KKB was the result of an investigation by ODC Task Force personnel, following the earlier arrest of SP and DK on 12 March, who are believed to be affiliated with the KKB Kodap Yaligem in Yalimo. ‘Investigators are also looking into AG’s involvement in the transaction for the purchase of one assembled long-barrelled firearm worth approximately IDR 80 million on 4 March,’ said Senior Commissioner Yusuf. He added that AG’s arrest is part of a series of investigations that previously resulted in the seizure of 298 rounds of ammunition, four SS1 magazines, one assembled firearm, and six World War II-era rifle barrels found in a rusty condition and without stocks in March. The five suspects are charged under Article 306 in conjunction with Article 20 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, said ODC Public Relations Head Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo.