TNI Recovers Two Weapons Seized by OPM in Maybrat

Koops TNI Habema has recovered two standard-issue weapons belonging to the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion—a Caracal and a K3 Daewoo—that were seized by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) Kodap IV/Sorong Raya group led by Manfred Fatem seven months ago.

A joint team from Operation Badai Kasuari 3.12 found the K3 Daewoo on Saturday (17 October), after securing the Caracal the previous day, Friday (16 October).

The weapons had been seized by Manfred Fatem’s group during an attack on a post of the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion task force in Sory, Maybrat Regency, on 22 March 2026.

The joint operation involved the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion task force, Denkul 4/Rajawali V from the 411th Infantry Battalion/Pandawa Kostrad task force, and the 764th Infantry Battalion/IB regional task force. It succeeded in recovering both standard-issue TNI weapons.

The team also secured a mixed-component homemade firearm, 19 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, three magazines, an optical sight and other equipment.

Habema TNI Operations Commander Brigadier General Riyanto praised all the soldiers involved for their perseverance, courage, discipline and professionalism in completing the mission.

“The two standard-issue weapons seized by Manfred Fatem’s group have finally both been recovered. This demonstrates the soldiers’ commitment, hard work and sense of responsibility in completing the task,” Riyanto said in a written statement on Sunday (18 October).

He said the success mattered not only because the unit’s equipment had been recovered, but also because the weapons could no longer be misused in acts of violence that endangered civilians and security personnel.

“The TNI will remain firm in responding to every armed threat, with action that is selective, measured, professional and in accordance with the law. However, for those who wish to abandon violence, the path to peace remains open,” he said.