Cartenz Task Force Arrests DPO in Illegal Firearms Syndicate in Yahukimo

The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has arrested a fugitive from a syndicate involved in the sale of illegal firearms and ammunition to armed criminal groups (KKB) in Papua. Head of Public Relations for the Cartenz Peace Operation, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that the arrest was made against a wanted person with the initials AG, who acted as an intermediary for the Yalimo-Yahukimo illegal firearms sales network. “This arrest is the result of developing the investigation into a previous case that ensnared suspect SP and his network, which is believed to be affiliated with the KKB Kodap Yaligem, Yalimo,” he said in a written statement on Thursday (9/8). He explained that the arrest was carried out after investigators learned of the perpetrator’s whereabouts in the Koya area heading towards the Skouw border. At around 10:40 WIT, AG was apprehended in front of the Navy Hospital in Jayapura without resistance. Yusuf stated that from the case review, AG acted as an intermediary between SP, the firearms buyer, and DK, another intermediary in the illegal firearms transaction. Investigators also uncovered that on 4 March 2026, AG, along with suspects SP, MM, and SM, met with DK to purchase one long-barrelled assembled firearm from a foreign national for IDR 80 million. During the operation, officers also detained four other individuals, identified as FCRG, JT, IK, and MK, for further examination. Their legal status is currently being determined as the investigation progresses. On the same occasion, Head of Law Enforcement for the Cartenz Peace Operation, Senior Commissioner I Gusti Gde Era Adhinata, stated that AG’s arrest is part of efforts to dismantle the entire network distributing illegal weapons to KKB in Papua. “We will continue to develop the investigation to uncover all parties involved, including distribution channels, funding sources, and suppliers of illegal firearms and ammunition. Anyone proven to be involved will be processed according to the applicable legal provisions,” he said.