Puncak, Central Papua – Personnel from the Operation Peace Cartenz (OPC) Task Force 2025 once again demonstrated swift and decisive action in maintaining security in a high-risk area, specifically in Puncak Regency. On Saturday morning (24/5/2025), during a security disturbance at several points in Ilaga, the OPC Task Force successfully secured and defended the vital area of Aminggaru Ilaga Airport, ensuring that flights continued safely.
The incident began when Team Belukar 5.6 was conducting a routine patrol and heard gunfire from two different points near the airport. The team immediately conducted a sweep and requested backup from the Belukar Command Post, considering the vast area behind Aminggaru Village and the potential movement of armed groups.
By 10:00 AM local time, combined personnel from the Belukar and Delta Units arrived to reinforce airport security. Despite the tense situation, the OPC Task Force maintained control of the area and ensured that Aminggaru Ilaga Airport remained secure. Notably, a plane carrying the Regent of Puncak landed safely, and the task force promptly provided security and escorted the official to his residence in Gome.
However, the disturbance did not end there. While returning to the airport, OPC personnel came under fire again near Ilame Bridge. The shots came from two locations, one of which was fired by a civilian truck driver. Although the task force briefly returned fire, they prioritized tactical withdrawal to regroup.
Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H.*, *Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2025, commended the team’s professionalism and quick response.
“The OPC Task Force acted swiftly and measuredly in an emergency situation. The airport, as a critical facility, was successfully secured, and flight operations continued uninterrupted. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to maintaining stability in Papua,” he stated.
No casualties were reported among security forces. All twenty Belukar and eight Delta personnel involved in the operation were safe and unharmed.
Responding to social media rumors claiming that the Regent’s plane had been targeted, the OPC Task Force clarified that the reports were false. The gunfire was directed at security personnel, not the aircraft.
Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T.*, *Head of Public Relations for Operation Peace Cartenz, urged the public not to be misled by misinformation.
“We confirm that the situation in Ilaga has returned to normal. The public is advised to remain calm, avoid provocation, and trust the Police in handling security matters,” he emphasized.
The Operation Peace Cartenz Task Force continues to anticipate potential security threats, particularly around critical facilities such as Ilaga Church and Ilaga Regional Hospital.
