Southwest Papua Governor Comments on TNI-KKB Shootout

A shootout between TNI personnel and the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) occurred in Sori Village, South Aifat District, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua, on Sunday (22/3). Quoting Antara, in the incident, two Indonesian Navy soldiers were killed, and one is in critical condition. Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu expressed profound condolences over the deaths of the two Indonesian Navy soldiers following the shootout with the KKB in Maybrat Regency. “We extend our deepest sympathies for the passing of two of the nation’s finest sons who were carrying out state duties. We all hope that in the future, personnel on duty will be more cautious so that similar incidents do not recur,” said Elisa Kambu in Sorong City, West Papua, on Sunday. The two soldiers who died were Marine Private AS from Yonmar 7 and Marine Private ES from Yonmar 10. Additionally, another soldier, Marine Corporal ES from Yonmar 7, is reported to be in critical condition and is receiving medical treatment at the Naval Hospital Dr R Oetojo in Sorong. In the incident, two firearms belonging to the soldiers were also reported to have been seized by the perpetrators. Elisa explained that her presence with the Maybrat Regent at the hospital was a form of concern from the Southwest Papua Provincial Government and the Maybrat Regency Government in providing moral support to the victims’ families. “We are here to offer prayers and support to the families of the two fallen soldiers,” she stated. The Governor also hoped that there would be no more acts of violence that claim lives, for any reason. “In the future, we hope there will be no more such actions that take human lives,” she said. At the same hospital, Commander of Korem 181/Praja Vira Tama (PVT), Brigadier General TNI Slamet Riyadi, stated that his side had increased vigilance and mapped high-risk areas to anticipate potential security disturbances in the region. “After this incident, we have increased vigilance, conducted mapping of high-risk areas, and tightened field supervision,” said the Danrem. Regarding the attackers, the Danrem said his side already had initial indications. However, further information would be provided after field data is confirmed accurate. “We already have suspicions about the perpetrators, but we will convey it after the information is truly valid,” he said. Slamet explained that the TNI would strengthen coordination between units, including with the Habema Operation Task Force, which includes soldiers from Marine Battalion 10. According to him, the division of operational sectors between units under Korem 181/PVT and the Habema Task Force enables a quick response if disturbances occur in the field. “We continue to coordinate with the Habema Task Force. With the existing sector division, every potential disturbance can be immediately responded to,” he said. In addition, the TNI is also considering adding or shifting troops to strengthen security in high-risk areas. “Troop additions are being planned, including intelligence strengthening. Information from the public and intelligence apparatus will continue to be developed,” he stated.