Oksibil, Highland Papua — Joint personnel from the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 and Pegunungan Bintang Police successfully apprehended two members of an armed criminal group (KKB) from Kodap XXXV Bintang Timur, identified as E.K. (22) and R.S. (23), during a law enforcement operation conducted on Sunday (April 19, 2026) at approximately 20:45 WIT in Oksibil District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency.
The arrests are part of the firm measures undertaken by Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 to crack down on armed criminal actors who have disrupted security stability in the Highland Papua region. E.K. had been listed on the wanted persons list (DPO) since December 2022 for his involvement in the murder of three motorcycle taxi drivers on December 5, 2022, in Mangabib Village, Oksebang District, as recorded in Police Report Number: LP/B/31/XII/2022/Papua/Res Pegunungan Bintang.
The Head Of Public Relation of Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., stated on Monday (April 20) that the arrests were the result of a well-planned joint operation.
“On Sunday, April 19, 2026, at around 20:45 WIT, joint personnel from the task force and Pegunungan Bintang Police carried out an operation on Kabiding Street, Oksibil District, and successfully secured the two suspects without significant resistance,” he explained.
In addition to the murder case, E.K. is also believed to have been involved in a series of violent acts, including shootings and arson targeting public facilities on January 7, 9, 11, 12, and 14, 2023, in Serambakon District. He is also strongly suspected of participating in an attack on the Rajawali Task Force post in Mimin Village, Oksop District, on May 27, 2025.
Meanwhile, R.S., who was arrested alongside E.K., is also suspected of involvement in the same attack on the Rajawali Task Force post. Police records indicate that R.S. is a former convict in a mobile phone theft case that occurred on September 7, 2020, on Yapimakot Street, Pegunungan Bintang, and had served a two-year prison sentence following a court ruling on January 26, 2021.
Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo added that both suspects played roles within the armed group network.
“One suspect is a DPO in a murder case and is known to be part of the KKB Kodap XXXV Bintang Timur, while the other is an associate involved in the group’s activities, including attacks against security personnel,” he stated.
The joint team conducted a measured operation, enabling the suspects to be arrested without causing disturbance to the surrounding community. Following their arrest, both individuals were taken to Pegunungan Bintang Police for intensive interrogation and further legal proceedings.
The Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that the arrests demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to taking firm action against armed groups.
“The arrest of a DPO reflects our seriousness in maintaining security and providing protection to the public. Every armed criminal offender will be handled professionally and proportionally,” he said.
Similarly, the Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., highlighted the importance of community participation in maintaining public security and order.
“We encourage all elements of society to continue working in synergy with security forces. Information from the public is crucial in preventing and uncovering criminal acts,” he stated.
Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo further confirmed that both suspects are currently in custody and undergoing legal processes.
“The suspects are being held at Pegunungan Bintang Police for intensive examination. We are also continuing to develop the case to uncover other members of the armed criminal network,” he explained.
He also urged the public to remain calm and not be easily influenced by unverified information.
“We call on the public not to be provoked by misinformation and to immediately report any suspicious activities. The task force will continue to enhance patrols, law enforcement, and synergy with the community to maintain a safe and conducive security situation,” he stressed.
At present, Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 along with Pegunungan Bintang Police are continuing investigations to dismantle wider armed criminal networks linked to the suspects. These efforts are expected to further limit the movement of armed groups and create a more stable security environment in Highland Papua.
