Cartenz Task Force Arrests DPO in Illegal Firearms Syndicate in Yahukimo
The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has arrested a fugitive from a syndicate selling illegal firearms and ammunition to armed criminal groups (KKB) in Papua.
Head of the Cartenz Peace Operations Public Relations Task Force, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, said the arrest targeted a fugitive with the initials AG, who acted as an intermediary in the illegal firearms sales network between Yalimo and Yahukimo.
“This arrest is the result of investigative developments in a case that previously ensnared suspect SP and the network allegedly affiliated with the Yaligem Kodap KKB in 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 local time, he said, perpetrator AG was arrested in front of the Naval Hospital in Jayapura without resistance.
Yusuf said that, based on the case review, AG acted as an intermediary between SP, the firearms buyer, and DK, another intermediary in the illegal firearms transaction.
In addition, investigators found that on 4 March 2026, AG together with perpetrators SP, MM and SM met with DK to transact the purchase of one homemade long-barrelled firearm from a foreign national valued at Rp80 million.
During the arrest operation, he said, officers also secured four other individuals with the initials FCRG, JT, IK and MK for further questioning. Their legal status is still being examined in line with the progress of the investigation.
On the same occasion, Head of the Cartenz Peace Operations Law Enforcement Task Force, Commissioner I Gusti Gde Era Adhinata, said the arrest of AG was part of efforts to expose the entire illegal firearms circulation network supplying weapons to the KKB in Papua.
“We will continue to develop the investigation to uncover all parties involved, including distribution channels, sources of funding, as well as suppliers of illegal firearms and ammunition. Anyone proven to be involved will be processed in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” he said.