Papua– The Indonesian National Police (Polri) have revealed the manipulative strategy used by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in spreading false information or hoaxes in order to attract public attention. One of the methods used is by involving foreign nationals (WNA) to produce fake documentary videos, which are then uploaded to social media as a propaganda tool.
Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, Head of Operations for the Cartenz-2025 Peace Task Force, stated that the KKB had spread a hoax video accusing the TNI-Polri of bombing and causing a number of buildings to burn down. However, the video is known to be old documentation that has been manipulated.
“The video is actually a recording of a fire at a Community Health Center in Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, in 2021. The fire was carried out by the KKB, but the video was edited to accuse the TNI-Polri of being the perpetrators,” said Brigadier General Faizal.
Furthermore, the KKB also tried to create a narrative that they were fighting against the government using traditional tools. However, the facts on the ground show that the KKB often used firearms in shootings against security forces and civilians. They are also involved in other crimes, such as rape, burning of public facilities, and other acts of violence.
Brigadier General Faizal highlighted a tragic incident in 2021, in which the KKB was reported to have raped a health worker. He considered this act a heinous crime that violated human rights.
On the other hand, the Head of the Public Relations Task Force for the Cartenz-2024 Peace Operation, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, appealed to the Papuan people not to be easily influenced by false information spread by the KKB and the Political Criminal Group (KKP).
“This kind of propaganda aims to divide society and weaken trust in the government. We invite the public to be wiser in filtering the information they receive,” said Senior Commissioner Yusuf.
The TNI and Polri emphasized their commitment to continuing to maintain security stability in Papua. Firm steps will continue to be taken to address provocative actions carried out by the KKB, in order to realize peace and a sense of security for the entire community.
