Two KKB Members in Papua Arrested in Connection with Murders and Attacks

The Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz, alongside the Pegunungan Bintang Police Resort, arrested two members of the armed criminal group (KKB) Kodap XXXV Bintang Timur, initials EK (22) and RS (23), in Oksibil District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Sunday (19/4) around 20:45 WIT. This arrest is part of the Task Force’s efforts to firmly address armed criminals who have been disrupting security stability in the Papua Pegunungan region. “On Sunday, 19 April 2026 around 20:45 WIT, combined personnel from the Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz, along with personnel from the Pegunungan Bintang Police Resort, conducted an operation on Kabiding Road, Oksibil District, and successfully secured two perpetrators with minimal resistance,” said the Head of Public Relations for the Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force 2026, Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, in his statement on Monday (20/4). EK has been on the Most Wanted List (DPO) since December 2022 in connection with the murder of three motorbike taxi drivers on 5 December 2022 in Mangabib Village, Oksebang District. The incident is recorded in Police Report number LP/B/31/XII/2022/Papua/Res Pegunungan Bintang. Additionally, EK is recorded as involved in several other violent acts, namely shootings and the burning of public facilities that occurred consecutively on 7, 9, 11, 12, and 14 January 2023 in Serambakon District. Furthermore, EK is strongly suspected of participating in the attack on the Rajawali Task Force Post in Mimin Village, Oksop District, on 27 May 2025. Meanwhile, RS is suspected of being involved in the attack on the Rajawali Task Force Post at the same location and time. According to police records, RS is a former convict in a mobile phone theft case that occurred on 7 September 2020 on Yapimakot Road, Pegunungan Bintang, and served a two-year prison sentence based on a court decision on 26 January 2021. From the results of further investigation, Yusuf stated that both perpetrators also played roles in the armed group’s network. “One of the perpetrators is a DPO target in a murder case and is known to be part of KKB Kodap XXXV Bintang Timur, while the other perpetrator is an associate who participated in the group’s activities, including attacks on security forces,” he said. After being arrested, both were immediately taken to the Pegunungan Bintang Police Resort for intensive examination and further legal proceedings. “The two suspects are currently secured at the Pegunungan Bintang Police Resort for intensive examination. We are also continuing to develop leads to uncover other armed group networks,” Yusuf stated. Yusuf also urged the public to remain calm and not be easily influenced by unverified information. “We invite the public not to be provoked by untrue issues and to immediately report any suspicious activities. The Task Force will continue to enhance patrols, law enforcement, and strengthen synergy with the community to maintain a safe and conducive public security and order situation,” he said. Meanwhile, the Head of Damai Cartenz Operation-2026, Irjen Faizal Ramadhani, stated that this arrest demonstrates the apparatus’s commitment to upholding the law against armed groups. “The arrest of the DPO is a form of our seriousness in maintaining security and providing protection to the public. Every armed criminal will be dealt with professionally and proportionately,” he concluded.