Yalimo – The Cartenz Peace Operations Task Force 2025 has successfully uncovered a network of the Yalimo armed criminal group (KKB) with the arrest of Okoni Siep alias Nikson Matuan, a member of the Aske Mabel faction. The arrest took place on Sunday (2/2) in Yalimo Regency. During the operation, authorities seized two AK China 2000P rifles and two magazines containing 46 live ammunition rounds, which were previously taken by Aske Mabel from the Yalimo Police Station in June 2024.
In addition to the firearms and ammunition, the police also confiscated a black OPPO A18 smartphone, suspected to belong to one of the victims, Korinus Yohanis Wentken, as well as a document containing a funding request with the logo of the KKB’s organization.
Investigations show that Okoni Siep is strongly suspected of being involved in the shooting of Muktar Layuk (deceased) and Korinus Yohanis Wentken (survived) on November 5, 2024, on the Trans Wamena – Jayapura Road in Kampung Hobakma, Yalimo Regency.
Brigadier General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., Head of Cartenz Peace Operations 2025, emphasized their commitment to continue hunting down the Yalimo KKB members. “This arrest is an important step in enforcing the law against criminal groups that have been causing disturbances. We will keep pursuing and taking firm action against their entire network,” he said.
Police Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., Head of Public Relations for Cartenz Peace Operations 2025, also urged the people of Papua, especially in Yalimo, not to support the KKB group. “We ask the public to remain vigilant and not be swayed by their propaganda. If anyone has any information, please report it to the authorities so we can work together to create a safe and peaceful Papua,” he explained.
With this arrest, authorities are now focusing on tracking down Aske Mabel and his group, who are believed to still be hiding in the Yalimo area, while the Cartenz Peace Operations Task Force 2025 continues its efforts to maintain security and order in Papua.
