Damai Cartenz Task Force Arrests Suspected Arms Intermediary for KKB Network in Sarmi

Jayapura, VIVA – The 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force (ODC), alongside the Sarmi Police, has arrested a man identified by the initials YK (52), who is suspected of acting as an intermediary for the distribution of firearms and ammunition to the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) network in the Papua Highlands region. The arrest took place on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at approximately 13:16 WIT in the Sarmi Central Market area, Sarmi Regency, Papua, following intelligence regarding YK’s presence at the location.

“This case is part of the ongoing investigation into the network of suppliers providing weapons and ammunition suspected of supplying the needs of armed groups in the Yalimo and Yahukimo areas,” stated Kombes Pol Yusuf Sutejo, Head of Public Relations for the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation, in a statement on Sunday, 7 June 2026.

Since the commencement of law enforcement operations in March 2026, personnel from the Damai Cartenz Task Force have arrested several individuals playing various roles within the network, ranging from financiers and buyers to ammunition providers and transaction intermediaries.

“Based on the investigation results, YK previously received one firearm and ammunition brought by a man with the initials B in early March 2026 at his residence in the Argapura area, Jayapura City. The weapons and ammunition were subsequently suspected to have been distributed to several parties who then conducted transactions with the group led by Simeon Payage,” he explained.

Yusuf stated that the joint team moved to the location and immediately secured YK, bringing him to the Sarmi Police Headquarters for further interrogation regarding his alleged involvement in the weapons and ammunition supply network.

“Following the arrest, the Damai Cartenz Task Force also seized several items belonging to the suspect, including a mobile phone, identity documents, bank cards, cash in various denominations, and other personal belongings, which will be used for further investigative depth,” he said.

According to data from the Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force, as of early June 2026, officers have named at least 12 individuals as suspects in the weapons and ammunition network case. Through these enforcement actions, officers have also successfully seized 298 rounds of ammunition, four SS1 rifle magazines, one improvised firearm, and six World War II-era firearm barrels found in a rusted condition without stocks.