Cartenz Task Force Destroys Armed Group Base in Intan Jaya Forest, Central Papua

The Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force has destroyed a base belonging to the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in the Kodap VIII Soanggama area, in the forest of Intan Jaya, Central Papua.

KKB is the term used by authorities for the militia of the Free Papua Movement (OPM).

Yusuf Sutejo, the task force’s public information chief, said officers found the hideout, or honai, during an operation last Saturday (17 October).

He said the honai was in forest between Kulindigi and Bulage villages, in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.

“The honai was found in the middle of the forest, blending in with its surroundings. The trees, vegetation and soil around the site camouflaged the structure, making it look like a bunker,” he said in a written statement, quoted on Monday (19 October).

He said a search uncovered evidence including 559 spent 5.56 mm cartridge cases; two sets of disassembled rifles; one rifle stock; one rifle barrel; other rifle components; and three hand-operated rifle pumps.

Officers also found a karambit knife, a Morning Star flag and a TPNPB Kodap XIX Kemabu Intan Jaya report addressed to the Uwia Battalion.

Other items included a notebook stamped TPNPB Batalyon Bula Kompi Senapan A Tanah Merah Kodap VIII Intan Jaya, and a notebook containing information about ammunition sales transactions.

He said officers had now destroyed the hideout to prevent the KKB from using it again.

“Personnel found a number of items and documents, including 559 spent 5.56 mm cartridge cases, which are now part of further investigations to establish their origin and any possible connection to alleged criminal acts,” he said.