KKB Member Responsible for Killing Freeport Employee Arrested

The Damai Cartenz 2026 Operation Task Force has successfully arrested a 24-year-old man, identified by the initials YM, a member of the Kepala Air armed criminal group (KKB) from the Ilaga III Kodap region. YM is suspected of involvement in the killing of a PT Freeport Indonesia employee in the Mimika Regency, Central Papua.

Chief of Public Relations for the Damai Cartenz 2026 Operation, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, confirmed that YM was apprehended in the Kago Market area, Ilaga City, Puncak Regency, on Saturday, 6 June 2026. 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 in the Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency.

Investigations revealed that YM allegedly participated 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 attack.

The incident 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 authorities received intelligence regarding his whereabouts in the Ilaga area.

Following his arrest, YM was taken to the Puncak Police Station for further interrogation by investigators from the Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force. Investigators are charging YM under several articles of Law Number 1 of 202ry 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 Damai Cartenz 2026 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 ensuring legal certainty for victims and maintaining the security of the people in Papua,” he said.