Travel Driver Shot by KKB, House Commission I: Intelligence Allegations Must Not Be Used as Justification
The Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sukamta, has condemned the shooting of a travel driver from Toraja, Aris, in Wamena, Highland Papua, carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB). Sukamta stated that the allegations claiming Aris was an intelligence agent posing as a driver must be proven through a formal investigation process.
“Whatever the allegations against the victim, they must not serve as a reason to commit murder outside of the legal process. The safety of civilians must be the top priority,” Sukamta told reporters on Thursday (17/09/2026).
Sukamta noted that the incident demonstrates that civilians still face significant threats within the Papua conflict zones. He added that threats are also faced by citizens working as drivers who serve transportation needs and the distribution of community logistics.
The PKS politician called on security forces to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the chronology, perpetrators, and motives behind the shooting. He also demanded that those responsible be processed according to the law.
“Civilians must not become victims due to unilateral allegations. The state must ensure that anyone who commits violence against civilians can be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
Sukamta also urged the government to increase prevention and protection efforts for civilians, particularly on high-risk transportation routes. “Do not only act after a shooting has occurred. Security must be based on prevention, by strengthening territorial intelligence, early detection, and community protection at vulnerable points,” said Sukamta.
“We must not allow the community to be afraid to work, afraid to travel, or afraid to serve the needs of others. The state must be present to provide a sense of security,” he added.
Sukamta also encouraged a security approach that maintains the protection of the community and the development of welfare as essential parts of resolving the Papua issue. “Security and welfare cannot be separated. The people of Papua need a safe living space so that economic, educational, health, and public service activities can proceed,” he said.
Previously, the Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force obtained information regarding the suspected Armed Criminal Group (KKB) responsible for killing the Torajan travel driver, Aris, in Wamena, Highland Papua. The Task Force is still investigating the involvement of the KKB Kodap III Ndugama at the scene.
The Head of Public Relations for the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation, Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, emphasised that the KKB’s claim accusing the victim of being an intelligence official is false. He stated that the victim was a civilian who had worked as a route driver for over a decade.
“We can confirm that the news claiming this driver was a member of the security apparatus’s intelligence is fake news or a hoax. The driver was indeed working as a driver and has been performing his job for approximately 13 years on that route,” he asserted.