Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 Thwarts Cross-Province Weapons and Ammunition Supply Network to Armed Criminal Group
Papua – The Task Force of Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 has successfully dismantled a cross-province network supplying firearms and ammunition to an Armed Criminal Group (KKB). In a joint operation involving the Papua Regional Police, West Papua Regional Police, East Java Regional Police, and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Regional Police, authorities apprehended seven suspects and seized 17 firearms and 3,573 rounds of ammunition.
The success of the operation was announced by the Head of Papua Regional Police, Inspector General Patrige Renwarin, S.H., M.Si., accompanied by the Head of Operation Peace Cartenz 2025, Brigadier General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H. He emphasized that this operation is part of the Police’s serious efforts to combat arms smuggling into Papua.
“We will not tolerate any parties attempting to supply weapons to armed groups. This operation demonstrates that security forces are working tirelessly to shut down illegal firearm distribution channels and ensure security stability in Papua,” stated Inspector General Patrige Renwarin on Tuesday (11/3).
Based on investigations conducted from March 6 to 9, 2025, authorities successfully arrested several individuals involved in the weapons smuggling syndicate.
One of the key suspects apprehended was YE alias JAS, who played a role in providing funds and coordinating the purchase of weapons for the KKB in Puncak Jaya. In addition to YE, authorities also arrested TW, MH, MK, P, ES, and AP, who had various roles in the network, ranging from sourcing firearms, smuggling, to assembling homemade weapons.
Evidence Seized:
- Firearms: 17 units (6 long-barreled, 6 short-barreled, and 5 homemade).
- Ammunition: 3,573 rounds of various calibers.
- Assembly tools: Lathe machines, grinders, welding tools, and compressors.
- Explosives: 2 detonators.
- Weapon components: Magazines, stocks, homemade barrels, and various supporting documents.
- Cash: IDR 369,600,000 (Three hundred sixty-nine million six hundred thousand rupiah).
The evidence was found in various locations, including the suspects’ residences in Bojonegoro, Sleman, and Manokwari, as well as inside modified compressor tanks used to evade inspections at ports.
Investigations revealed that the network had a well-organized distribution system. TW was responsible for purchasing and smuggling weapons from East Java to Papua, while ES acted as an intermediary for storing weapons and ammunition in Manokwari. MK operated as an assembler of homemade firearms in Bojonegoro Regency, East Java, and P assisted in manufacturing stocks and testing the functionality of the weapons in Bojonegoro Regency, East Java.
The suspects have been charged under Article 1 Paragraph (1) of Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951 in conjunction with Article 55 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), which pertains to “anyone who unlawfully imports, manufactures, receives, attempts to obtain, delivers or attempts to deliver, possesses, carries, stores, transports, conceals, uses, or exports firearms, ammunition, or explosives from Indonesia.” The charges carry a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.
During the press conference, the Head of Public Relations for Operation Peace Cartenz 2025, Chief Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to arms smuggling.
“We call on the public to be proactive in maintaining security. If there is any information regarding illegal activities, please report it immediately to the nearest security authorities for follow-up,” he emphasized.
He also stressed that law enforcement efforts against weapons supply networks to the KKB will continue intensively.
“We will not stop until the root of this problem is completely eradicated. Anyone attempting to disrupt security by supplying weapons to the KKB will face strict legal action,” he concluded.
With the success of this operation, it is hoped that the flow of smuggled weapons into Papua will be significantly reduced, and security stability in the region can be better maintained. Police have also assured that investigations will continue to uncover other networks still in operation.
