TNI Hunts Perpetrators of House Burning in Puncak Regency

Nabire (ANTARA) - The TNI is hunting down the perpetrators who burned residents’ homes in Muara Village, Pogoma District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua.

The Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operational Command, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Wirya Arthadiguna, when contacted from Nabire on Monday, said the incident was allegedly carried out by members of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) Kodap III/Puncak, led by Lekagak Talenggen.

“A patrol team immediately moved quickly to the location after receiving reports from residents to secure the situation,” he said.

He explained that the arson attack, which took place on Monday morning, triggered panic among residents, leading some of the community to evacuate to safer places.

The Habema TNI Operational Command patrol team then conducted sweeps around the village and the estuary area to confirm the presence of the perpetrators and prevent potential further disturbances.

Based on observations from an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), he continued, several unidentified individuals carrying firearms were detected near the incident site, so security forces are still conducting pursuits.

“The TNI will increase security patrols to prevent similar actions and ensure that public safety remains maintained,” he stated.

In addition to security measures, task force personnel are also assisting affected residents and conducting assessments of the damage caused by the arson.

To date, TNI personnel remain on alert and are carrying out intensive monitoring in the Pogoma District area and its surroundings.