NABIRE — Joint Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) personnel held a press conference regarding the latest developments in law enforcement efforts targeting wanted members of an armed criminal group (KKB) in Kabupaten Nabire. The press briefing took place at Polres Nabire on Monday (March 2, 2026) at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT).
The event was attended by several senior TNI–Polri officials, including the Deputy Chief of Polda Papua Tengah, Senior Commissioner of Police Dr. Gustav Robby Urbinas; Deputy Commander of Operation Habema Brigadier General TNI Riyanto; Commander of Korem 173/Praja Vira Braja Brigadier General TNI I Ketut Mertha Gunarda; and senior officers from the 2026 Operasi Damai Cartenz Task Force.
The operation involved personnel from Operation Damai Cartenz (Polri) and Satgas Rajawali Mambri (TNI), following the detection of armed group activities in the Kali Nabarua area, which were suspected of planning security disturbances.
Deputy Police Chief Gustav Robby Urbinas stated that the law enforcement action was based on Police Report Number B/119/II/2026 issued by Nabire Police under Papua Tengah Regional Police jurisdiction.
“The suspects currently being pursued are charged under Article 458 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code (KUHP) concerning murder, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.
Additionally, Article 459 regulates premeditated murder or murder accompanied by other criminal acts, punishable by life imprisonment or up to 20 years,” he explained.
Based on investigation results and intelligence gathering, the armed group led by a wanted suspect identified by the initials AK had reportedly moved from Kimi to Kali Nabarua and established a camp in the area. At the site, the group was suspected of conducting internal meetings, consolidating logistical support, and planning acts intended to disrupt security in Nabire Regency.
Field monitoring by joint personnel identified the presence of several armed individuals, long-barreled firearms, and structures believed to function as the group’s headquarters.
Following operational planning and tactical preparation, joint personnel advanced through several blocking points and conducted intensive surveillance around Kali Nabarua. As officers approached the camp, an exchange of fire occurred between security forces and the armed group. Reinforcement units were deployed to support personnel on the ground.
After the law enforcement operation, joint forces successfully secured and took control of the camp. The armed group fled into nearby forested areas and remains under pursuit.
Authorities confiscated a number of items believed to be linked to the group’s activities, including 561 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, 10 magazines, 12 mobile phones, five communication devices, tens of millions of rupiah in cash, flags and other equipment, and three bags containing group supplies.
“As shown before our media colleagues, these are the items seized during yesterday’s law enforcement operation in Kali Nabarua,” Gustav stated.
He detailed that two of the seized magazines were allegedly taken during a previous incident in Lagari, Musyaro, at PT Kristalin, along with two mobile phones belonging to victims and one iPhone unit. Two additional magazines were reportedly seized during an incident at Kilometer 128 in late 2025 that resulted in the deaths of two security personnel.
Further forensic examination of the remaining ammunition is ongoing by Operation Damai Cartenz and Rajawali Mambri teams. Authorities are also tracing the origin of the cash funds discovered at the site to determine the group’s logistical support network.
Gustav confirmed that during the Lagari incident, in addition to two fatalities, the group allegedly seized two long-barreled firearms and one short-barreled firearm.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commander of Operation Habema Brigadier General TNI Riyanto reported that one TNI soldier sustained a minor injury from a projectile fragment during the exchange of fire.
“One of our personnel was struck by a ricochet fragment in the right calf. He was immediately evacuated and has received medical treatment. The injury is not serious, and it is estimated that he will recover within about a week,” he said.
Chief of Operation Damai Cartenz 2026 Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani urged the public to remain calm and avoid being influenced by unverified information.
“We urge the public to stay calm. Joint TNI-Polri forces will continue further investigation and pursue the perpetrators. Do not trust information from unofficial sources,” he emphasized.
Deputy Police Chief Gustav reaffirmed the commitment of joint forces to maintaining security stability in Central Papua.
“We emphasize that joint personnel remain actively pursuing the perpetrators and are committed to safeguarding security stability and public safety,” he concluded.
At present, joint forces continue to conduct sweeping operations in the Nabire area to ensure that the armed group does not resume activities that could disrupt public security and order.
