Military Officer Arrested for Selling Assault Rifle to Papua New Guinea
A TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces) officer identified as Praka MWN has been detained by authorities on suspicion of selling an organic firearm of the SS2-V4 type to Papua New Guinea (PNG). The case emerged after the suspect became involved in a traffic accident in Heram District, Jayapura City.
It was previously established that Praka MWN left the Skouw Border Post on Saturday, 7 March 2026 whilst carrying one SS2-V4 assault rifle bearing serial number BJ.CS 036571. The suspect crossed into PNG territory with the intention of selling the weapon to a gold mining entrepreneur.
The transaction was conducted through an intermediary with the initials G at a price of 25,000 Kina, equivalent to approximately IDR 90 million. After the transaction was completed, the suspect returned to Indonesian territory but did not report to his unit post.
Authorities also detained a resident of Wutung Village with the initials R, who is suspected to be the first buyer. According to R’s statement, the weapon was subsequently resold to another party identified as S, also known as Salfado, for 35,000 Kina (approximately IDR 122.5 million) in Aitape, PNG.
Chain Accident
The suspect’s flight ended when he was involved in a multi-vehicle traffic accident on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 at approximately 17:30 WIT in front of the Denzipur 10/KYD Cooperative on Abepura-Sentani Road.
The suspect, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time, collided with several vehicles, including a Honda Brio and a number of motorcycles. The incident resulted in the death of one person, RRDR (46), a contract worker. Three people were injured in the incident, including a member of Persit and a Department of Education civil servant.
Following the accident, the suspect was taken to Dian Harapan Hospital. There, the intelligence section and commanding officer of Skouw Border Post conducted intensive interrogation regarding the whereabouts of the organic weapon missing from the post. Praka MWN eventually admitted to selling the weapon to PNG territory.
The suspect is now in the custody of authorities for military law proceedings relating to allegations of desertion and the sale of firearms, as well as criminal law proceedings relating to the traffic accident that resulted in the loss of life.