TNI Recovers Firearm Seized by OPM in Maybrat

Timika (ANTARA) – The TNI Habema Operations Command has recovered a Caracal rifle and 17 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition in Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua.

TNI Habema Operations Commander Brigadier General Riyanto praised the professionalism and co-operation of all TNI personnel involved in recovering the weapon. He made the remarks in a statement received in Timika, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, on Saturday.

“This success demonstrates the importance of inter-unit synergy, accurate information and the professionalism of soldiers. Recovering the weapon is part of efforts to prevent firearms from being misused in ways that could endanger the safety of the public and security personnel,” Riyanto said.

He said that all security measures must be carried out selectively, proportionately and professionally, in accordance with the law and with respect for humanitarian values.

TNI Habema is also continuing to investigate and search for a K3 Daewoo firearm which, according to initial information, may still be hidden in Maybrat.

The commander said that securing the area and taking a humanitarian approach must go hand in hand, so that residents can go about their daily lives safely, public services can continue and prospects for a peaceful Papua can improve.

The TNI recovered the Caracal rifle and 17 rounds of ammunition on Friday (16 October). The weapon had previously been seized by the armed OPM group Kodap IV/Sorong Raya during an attack on personnel from the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion Task Force in the Sory area on 22 March 2026.

The recovery resulted from co-operation between the RI-PNG Mobile Border Security Task Force of the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion, Denkul 4/Rajawali V of the 411th/Pandawa Kostrad Task Force, and the regional RI-PNG Border Security Task Force of the 764/IB Infantry Battalion.

According to unit reports, the discovery followed the apprehension and questioning of Zakarias Fatem, deputy commander of Kodap IV/Sorong Raya, and further inquiries involving Anton Fatem and Yesias Fatem. The latter two had earlier escaped an ambush at the Kamundan River before eventually surrendering.

Communications and follow-up inquiries yielded information about the location of the previously seized weapon. The joint team then searched the area and recovered the Caracal rifle and its ammunition.