Indonesian Military Identifies OPM Involvement in Driver's Death at Lake Habema

The TNI Habema Operations Command has identified the armed group Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM) Kodap III Ndugama as the perpetrators of violence against a driver named Aris Sanda, who was found dead alongside his burnt vehicle in the Lake Habema area, Highland Papua.

Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Wirya Arthadiguna, stated in a briefing received in Jakarta on Wednesday, that the incident began when the victim was transporting passengers via the Wamena route towards Mbua on Tuesday (15/9) at approximately 06:00 WIT.

“A driver named Aris Sanda, also known as Mr. Tasya, originally from Toraja, was reported to be a victim of violence by the OPM Kodap III Ndugama armed group, which resulted in his death,” he said.

Wirya explained that Aris was transporting several passengers in an open-top vehicle before his vehicle was intercepted by the armed group mid-journey.

“The group then conducted an inspection of the driver and the passengers,” he added.

Following the inspection, the passengers were ordered to return to Wamena, while Aris was detained and taken by the group towards the direction of Lake Habema.

After receiving reports of the incident, personnel from Koops TNI Habema conducted search and sweep operations around the location on Wednesday.

The team subsequently discovered one vehicle in a burnt condition along with the remains of Aris.

“TNI Habema carried out search and sweep operations around the scene. The team then found one vehicle in a burnt condition along with the driver’s body,” said Wirya.

Personnel subsequently evacuated the victim’s body while following security procedures.

According to Wirya, the exact cause of Aris’s death is still under investigation.

Koops TNI Habema stated that they will pursue the parties suspected of involvement and strengthen security in the region.

“Koops TNI Habema will continue its efforts to handle the involved armed group, including conducting pursuits and supporting the law enforcement process in accordance with applicable regulations, to prevent further casualties and provide a sense of security to the community,” he said.