PT Freeport Vehicle Convoy Fired Upon in Mimika, Authorities Hunt Perpetrators

A convoy of vehicles owned by PT Freeport Indonesia was fired upon while passing through Jalan Tambang Mile Point 60, Tembagapura District, Mimika, Central Papua.

The Head of Public Relations for the Damai Cartenz Operation, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that the incident occurred on Wednesday (2/9) at approximately 08:25 WIT, as the three targeted vehicles were en route to Timika.

He explained that there were a total of 15 vehicles in the group, consisting of 13 buses, one towing truck, and one box truck. Three vehicles were hit by gunfire.

“From the initial investigation, three vehicles were hit by gunfire: two buses and one towing truck. However, there were no fatalities or injuries in the incident,” he said in a written statement on Friday (4/9).

Yusuf noted that as they passed the Mile Point 60 area, the vehicles hit were Bus number 140591, Bus number 140575, and Towing Truck number 021074.

The fourth bus in the convoy was struck by five shots, consisting of three shots from the front and two from the left side. An inspection revealed bullet marks on the windscreen, windows, and left-side doors, as well as metal fragments on the dashboard, windscreen guard, and vehicle roof.

The sixth bus in the convoy was found to have a bullet hole in the upper part of the cabin that penetrated into the interior of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the towing truck in the seventh position was hit by three shots from the left. The inspection found bullet marks on the doors and side mirrors.

Yusuf added that during the crime scene investigation, officers discovered three 5.56mm ammunition casings. He stated that these findings have been secured for the investigation process.

Furthermore, he explained that the suspected perpetrators are still under investigation. Authorities have not yet identified a specific group as the culprits, as further in-depth analysis and verification of all testimonies and evidence are required.

“Regarding the suspected perpetrators, the investigation is currently ongoing. Officers are still deepening their examination of witness statements, evidence, and field findings to ensure those responsible for the incident are identified,” he concluded.