Cartenz Peace Task Force Shoots Dead One Separatist Member in Puncak Jaya
Jayapura — An enforcement operation conducted by the Cartenz Peace Task Force resulted in the shooting death of OE, also known as ME, a member of the armed Papua Merdeka separatist group, on Monday (20/4/2026). OE was on the list of fugitives sought by Indonesian security forces in connection with the attack on the Elang Task Force post, which led to the death of one Indonesian National Army (TNI) Corporal Ismunandar in March 2024.
The Cartenz Peace Task Force Public Relations Chief, Commissioner Yusuf Sutedjo, stated that OE’s whereabouts were identified on Monday (20/4/2026) in Wuyukwi Village, Puncak Jaya. After identification, Cartenz personnel deployed an enforcement unit to carry out the arrest. “The enforcement was carried out after personnel conducted surveillance and successfully identified the location of OE alias ME,” said Commissioner Yusuf in a press release on Tuesday (21/4/2026).
Commissioner Yusuf explained that during the attempted arrest, OE put up resistance, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire. OE initially managed to escape, but the enforcement team pursued and subdued him. “When about to be secured, the suspect attempted to flee while resisting the officers, resulting in firm and measured action in accordance with procedure (shot on the spot),” said Commissioner Yusuf.
OE collapsed after sustaining a gunshot wound to his right armpit, with the bullet penetrating to his back, preventing further escape. The enforcement unit then confirmed that OE was no longer resisting. The team transported OE to Mulia Regional General Hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the medical facility. “OE was declared dead on Monday afternoon at 17:30 WIT,” said Commissioner Yusuf.
The enforcement operations by the Cartenz Peace Task Force in Papua continue unabated. On Monday (20/4/2026), two other armed separatist members, initials EK (22 years old) and RS (23), were successfully arrested in Oksibil, Pegunungan Bintang. EK and RS were also on the wanted list of Indonesian security forces for their roles as members of the armed group Kodap XXX Bintang Timur.
Specifically for EK, he had been sought by security forces since December 2022. EK is the perpetrator of three murders of civilian migrants working as motorbike taxi drivers in Mangabibi Village, Oksebang District, in December 2022. Police records also list EK as the perpetrator of arson on several public facilities, including damage to the Rajawali Task Force post in Mimin Village, Oksop District, in May 2025.
Commissioner Yusuf added that EK also carried out a series of arsons in mid-January 2023 in Serambakon District. A joint team from the Cartenz Peace Task Force and the Pegunungan Bintang Police Resort arrested EK without resistance. Alongside EK, RS was also arrested, suspected of involvement in the attack and arson of the Rajawali Task Force post in May 2025. “RS is also known to be a former convict in a violent robbery case in September 2020,” said Commissioner Yusuf.