Korem 173 Discovers Two Weapons in Home of Foreign Nationals Involved in Illegal Mining

Troops from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) under Korem 173/Praja Vira Braja (PVB) discovered two homemade firearms in a rented house occupied by seven Chinese foreign nationals in Nabire Regency, Central Papua, who are suspected of involvement in illegal mining activities.

The Intelligence Officer of Korem 173/PVB, Colonel Inf Budi Suradi, in Nabire on Thursday, stated that the discovery was part of TNI support for the Forest Area Regulation Task Force (Satgas PKH) in uncovering illegal mining practices in the KM 95 and KM 103 Unipo areas, Siriwo District.

“This finding stemmed from further investigations into suspected illegal mining activities and to probe the presence of the Chinese foreign nationals believed to be involved,” he said.

He explained that the search was conducted on Wednesday (13/5) around 14:25 WIT at a rented house in Wadio, Bumi Wonorejo Village, Nabire District, which had been vacated by the seven foreign nationals.

During the inspection, he said, personnel found a suspicious cupboard on the ground floor with its door facing the wall.

“Upon examination, it contained a non-organic TNI-Polri homemade weapon modelled as a combination of AR-15, M16, and M4, using 5.56 mm calibre ammunition, one magazine, and three rounds of 2001 Pindad production ammunition,” he stated.

Additionally, at 23:30 WIT, the apparatus found the second piece of evidence: a PCP-type Predator air rifle that had been modified into a firearm with 4.5 mm ammunition and equipped with a telescope.

He added that all findings have been reported to the Commander of Satgas PKH for further investigation.

According to him, based on witness statements, the house had previously been unoccupied and was only recently occupied by the seven foreign nationals, strongly suggesting that the weapons are related to the occupants.

“Our task is to help find evidence. The subsequent investigation into the ownership of the weapons is handed over to Satgas PKH,” he said.

Budi also emphasised that Korem 173/PVB is committed to supporting the crackdown on illegal activities in the forest areas of Central Papua.

Furthermore, they clarified that the installation of barriers at KM 95 Unipo and KM 103 is a sign of suspected criminal violations at the illegal mining sites, not to seize community land.

“We urge the public to remain calm and not be provoked. Once the legal process is complete, the barriers will be reopened,” he said.