Indonesian Police Arrest KKB Member Suspected of Shooting Freeport Employee

The 2_026 Peace Cartenz Operation Task Force has successfully arrested a member of the armed criminal group (KKB) from the Kepala Air region, Ilaga Command, identified by the initials YM (24). The suspect is allegedly involved in the killing of a PT Freeport Indonesia employee in the Mimika Regency, Central Papua.

The Head of Public Relations for the 2026 Peace Cartenz Operation Task Force, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, confirmed that YM was apprehended in the Kago Market area, Ilaga City, Puncak Regency, on Saturday (6/6). YM had been on the wanted list in connection with the shooting of Simson Mulia, an employee of PT Freeport Indonesia, which occurred on 11 March 2026, at the Ngapua Reclamation Enviro Bunaken Grasberg area, Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency.

Investigations indicate that YM is suspected of participating 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. Preliminary findings suggest that YM’s role involved monitoring the movements of security personnel and local residents 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 was the result of an expanded investigation after officers received intelligence regarding his presence in the Ilaga area.

Following his arrest, YM was taken to the Puncak Police Station for further interrogation by the Peace Cartenz Operation Task Force investigators. The suspect faces charges 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 criminal complicity. Additionally, investigators are exploring further charges related to the illegal possession and use of firearms and ammunition.

The Head of the 2026 Peace 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. He emphasised that all parties involved in crimes causing death will be processed according to the law to ensure legal certainty and maintain security in Papua.

Furthermore, the Deputy Head of the 2026 Peace Cartenz Operation, Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, added that investigators are still deepening their study into YM’s specific role in the case, including potential links to other criminal activities in the Tembagapura area and surrounding regions.