Two Perpetrators of Civil Servant Shooting in Papua Allegedly Involved in Susi Air Pilot Kidnapping

The Police Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz-2026 has identified two individuals, initials PN and KT, who were seen making video calls to the family of Willi Mbuik. Willi Mbuik, a civil servant from the Jayawijaya Regency Agriculture Office, was a victim of a shooting allegedly carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB).

Head of Public Relations for Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that PN and KT have been confirmed as being on the police wanted list (DPO). This identification was made after police cross-referenced circulating video footage with existing data and physical descriptions. This development is a significant step in the investigation to locate the two fugitives.

He confirmed the identities of the two individuals in the video following thorough verification with police records. “After cross-referencing with our data and the available characteristics, we have confirmed that these two individuals are PN and KT, who are on our wanted list,” Yusuf said in a written statement on Friday (11/9).

PN and KT are suspected of having links to several acts of violence in Papua. Both are members of the KKB Kodap III Ndugama, led by Egianus Kogoya, and are currently wanted by the police. The duo is also suspected of involvement in the shootings that occurred during the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival (FBLB) in Jayawanyika Regency on 8 August 2026, which resulted in injuries to two civilians.

Furthermore, PN and KT are allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Susi Air pilot, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens, in Nduga Regency on 7 February 2023. The pilot was eventually released on 21 September 2024. “The involvement in the shootings during the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival and the Susi Air pilot kidnapping is a significant development for us. Based on this identification, we are continuing our pursuit to locate the perpetrators,” he added.

Regarding the incident involving the civil servants, the three victims were initially travelling to provide assistance in the form of livestock, inspect paddy field cultivation areas, and provide livestock-related counselling. On their return journey to Wamena, their vehicle was allegedly intercepted by an armed group and ordered to stop. The three victims were then forced out of the vehicle and herded to the rear of the car. Shortly after, three gunshots were heard, after which the perpetrators fled the scene.

Based on investigations and initial information obtained by the police, the perpetrators allegedly carried two long-barreled firearms and several machetes when fleeing the location. The police are still conducting a deep investigation into the sequence of events, including the motive and all parties involved. One primary suspicion is that the action aimed to disrupt public order and security (kamtibmas) and instil fear within the community.

In response to these events, the Police Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz-2026 has increased personnel strength in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency. This reinforcement is intended to maintain public order and support the search and pursuit of PN, KT, and any other accomplices. “We are continuing our pursuit and developing every piece of information obtained to locate the perpetrators,” said Yusuf.

The Head of Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that they are continuing to develop all information and evidence obtained during the investigation. “Every piece of information we receive will be investigated and followed up according to legal procedures. We are working to identify all involved parties and ensure the law enforcement process proceeds professionally,” said Faizal.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the three shooting victims have been returned to their respective regions. One body was returned on Thursday (10/9/2026), while the other two were returned on Friday (11/9). The Damai Cartenz Task Force has urged relevant government officials conducting field activities to coordinate with local security forces beforehand. If there are activities from relevant departments or agencies, it is expected that they be communicated and coordinated with local authorities to ensure security assistance.

Three civil servants from Jayawijaya Regency were reported killed in the shooting by the KKB on Wednesday (9/9). According to records, the victims were Aprida Rapi, Head of Livestock at the Jayawijaya Agriculture Office; Alfonsius Albinus Mehan, a veterinarian from the Jayawijaya Health Office; and Willi Mbuik, a civil servant candidate.