Damai Cartenz Task Force Arrests KKB Member Involved in Killing of Freeport Employee
Nabire (ANTARA) - The 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force has successfully arrested a man identified by the initials YM (24), a member of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) from the Kepala Air region, Kodap III Ilaga. He is suspected of killing an employee of PT Freeport Indonesia in the Mimika Regency, Central Papua.
Chief of Public Relations for the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, confirmed from Nabire on Sunday that YM was apprehended in the Kago Market area, Ilaga City, Puncak Regency, on Saturday (6/6).
“YM was on the most wanted list in connection with the shooting of Simson Mulia, an employee of PT Freeport Indonesia, which took
occurred on 11 March 2026 in the Ngapua Reclamation Enviro Bunaken Grasberg area, Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency,” he stated.
Investigations revealed that YM is suspected of involvement in the shooting that resulted in the victim’s death from a gunshot wound to the head while the victim was in the back of a parked pickup truck at the scene.
Preliminary examinations suggest that YM played a role in monitoring the movements of security personnel and the public using binoculars during the incident. The attack was allegedly carried out alongside several other group members, including JM, who is deceased, and BM (also known as N), who remains at large.
“The arrest of YM is the result of an investigation expansion after officers obtained information regarding his presence in the Ilaga region,” he added.
Investigators are charging YM under several articles of Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code (KUHP), including Article 459 concerning murder and Article 18 in conjunction with Article 19 regarding complicity in a criminal act. Furthermore, investigators are exploring the application of additional articles related to the illegal possession and use of firearms and ammunition.
Chief of the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that the arrest is part of the authorities’ commitment to taking action against perpetrators of armed violence that results in loss of life. “Any party suspected of involvement in criminal acts resulting in death will be processed according to applicable laws. We are committed to providing legal certainty for victims and maintaining the security of the Papuan people,” he said.
He added that authorities will continue to expand the investigation to uncover networks and other parties suspected of involvement in various security disturbances in Central Papua.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation, Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, added that investigators are still delving into YM’s role in the case, including potential involvement in other crimes in the Tembagapura area and surroundings. “Intensive examinations are ongoing to deepen our understanding of the individual’s role in the shooting incident. Investigators are also expanding the investigation into potential links to other cases currently being handled by law enforcement,” he said.