Travel Driver Shot Dead by KKB While Transporting Local Logistics; Body Evacuated

A travel driver from Toraja, South Sulawesi, named Aris Sanda, also known as Tasya, was shot dead by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) or the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Highlands. The TNI Habema Operation Command discovered Tasya’s vehicle burnt and his body inside after reports emerged that he had been taken hostage and shot by the KKB on the route from Wamena to Mbua.

Koops TNI Habema stated that Tasya was a driver providing essential transportation services, carrying logistics and transporting local passengers from Wamena to inland areas. The Commander of Koops TNI Habema, Brigadier General TNI Riyanto, expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family and ordered his personnel to immediately carry out the evacuation of the body in accordance with established procedures.

Riyanto emphasised that the evacuation of Tasya’s body must prioritise safety, caution, and respect for the victim. He also ordered the securing of the area and professional, measured search efforts for the perpetrators to ensure law enforcement and prevent further casualties.

“I am deeply concerned and saddened by this incident. The victim was not carrying any threat. He was working, carrying logistics, and providing transportation services for the people of Papua. People like him are the ones who have long supported life in the hinterlands. Violence against civilians cannot be justified, and the perpetrators must be held accountable under the applicable law,” Riyanto stated on Wednesday (16/09/2026).

According to Riyanto, the murder of Tasya disrupts the lives of the Papuan people. Transportation routes to inland areas are considered vital access points for the distribution of food, daily necessities, public services, and community mobility.

Riyanto has instructed all units within the operational area to increase vigilance and strengthen the protection of the community, particularly on transport routes and in public service spaces that are essential to community life.

“This emphasis does not only apply to the scene of the incident. In other regions, I have ordered all personnel to increase vigilance and protect the community. Do not allow space for violence that threatens civilians, drivers, teachers, health workers, labourers, or anyone serving the community. Every disturbance must be handled professionally, measured, and according to the law,” Riyanto asserted.

Riyanto added that Koops TNI Habema will continue to synergise with security forces, local governments, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and the Papuan community to ensure the entire region does not become a space for violence.

Tasya was known to have been shot by the KKB in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Highlands. The victim’s body was found inside a burnt vehicle.

“The team subsequently found one unit of a vehicle in a burnt condition along with the driver’s body,” said the Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel (Inf) M Wirya Arthadiguna, in a statement.

Currently, the process of evacuating the body is underway while considering the security situation at the location. Information received suggests the victim was likely killed by the OPM before his body was found in the car.

“Aris Sanda, alias Mr. Tasya, from Toraja, was reported to be a victim of violence by the OPM armed group Kodap II Ndugama, which resulted in his death,” he explained.