Task Force Investigates KKB Ndugama Involvement in Death of Travel Driver in Wamena

The Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force has obtained information regarding the suspected involvement of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in the killing of Aris, a travel driver from Toraja, in Wamena, Papua Pegunungan. The Task Force is continuing to investigate the involvement of the KKB Kodap III Ndugama group at the crime scene.

“There is indeed information pointing towards the Kodap III Ndugama group being in the vicinity of the location, but we still need to investigate and verify this information further,” said the Head of Public Relations for the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation, Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, in a statement on Wednesday (16/09/2026).

Yusuf subsequently emphasised that KKB claims accusing the victim of being an intelligence officer are false. He stated that the victim was a civilian who had worked as a long-distance transport driver for over a decade.

“We can confirm that news claiming this driver was a member of security apparatus intelligence is fake news or a hoax. The driver was indeed working as a driver and had been operating on that route for approximately 13 years,” he asserted.

From the crime scene investigation, officers found the victim’s vehicle had fallen 13 metres down a ravine from the roadside and was burnt to ashes, with the victim’s body found inside.

“During the crime scene investigation, the victim’s body was found in a burnt condition. Parts of the victim’s body had undergone carbonisation. Additionally, one 5.56mm long-barrel ammunition casing and a bag containing the victim’s identity were found,” he explained.

Driver Forced by OPM to Support Papua Independence

The victim was reportedly held hostage before being shot dead in Wamena. He was also forced to express support for Papuan independence, which was recorded in a video.

In the video obtained by detikcom, the victim, Aris Sanda, appears wearing a black jacket and beige shorts. He was instructed to hold the Morning Star flag and deliver statements regarding Papua.

Surrounding him were several KKB members standing in the middle of the road, some of whom were holding long-barrel firearms and bows.

The victim subsequently expressed support for Papuan independence. While the victim was speaking, one KKB member was seen pointing a long-barrel weapon at the victim’s head.

The murder of the travel driver occurred on the Trans Wamena-Nduga route on Tuesday (15/09). The killing took place after the victim, who was carrying passengers, was intercepted in the middle of the road by the perpetrators.

“Afterwards, the passengers were ordered to return to Wamena, while Aris Sanda was taken towards the Habema Lake area,” said the Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Letkol (Inf) M. Wirya Arthadiguna, in his statement on Wednesday (16/09).

It is believed the victim was killed at that location. Subsequently, the TNI discovered the victim’s body inside his vehicle, which had been burnt to ashes.

“The team then found one vehicle in a burnt condition along with the driver’s body,” he explained.