Puncak – The Cartenz 2026 Peace Operation Task Force has again taken law enforcement action against perpetrators of armed violence in Central Papua by arresting a man with the initials YM (24), suspected of being a member of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in the Kepala Air area, Kodap III Ilaga, on Saturday (June 6, 2026) at approximately 8:55 a.m. WIT in the Kago Market area, Ilaga City, Puncak Regency.
Cartenz 2026 Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force Chief Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., confirmed the arrest in an interview on Sunday (June 7).
“YM was arrested by personnel from the Cartenz 2026 Peace Operation Task Force. The arrest was made based on Police Report No. LP/B/1/III/2026/SPKT/Sat Reskrim/Terimpura Sector Police/Mimika Police/Central Papua Regional Police dated March 11, 2026, regarding the shooting of the late Simson Mulia, an employee of PT Freeport Indonesia, which occurred in the Ngapua Area of ​​the Enviro Bunaken Grasberg Reclamation, Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency,” explained the Head of the Public Relations Task Force.
Based on the investigation, the Head of the Public Relations Task Force also stated that YM is suspected of being involved in the shooting that resulted in the victim’s death from a gunshot wound to the head while in the back of a pickup truck parked at the scene.
“Based on the initial investigation, investigators suspect YM acted as a monitor for the movements of security officers and the public using binoculars during the demonstration. The incident is suspected to have been carried out in collaboration with several other group members, including JM (who has since died) and BM alias N, who are currently being sought,” added the Head of the Public Relations Task Force.
YM’s arrest was the result of an investigation that developed after officers received information regarding his whereabouts in the Ilaga area. After being apprehended, YM was immediately taken to the Puncak Police Station for further questioning by investigators from the Cartensz 2026 Peace Operation Task Force.
Suspected Articles Applied
Based on the preliminary investigation, YM is suspected of being charged under several provisions of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP), including:
- Article 459 of the Criminal Code concerning murder;
- Article 18 in conjunction with Article 19 of the Criminal Code concerning participation in a criminal act (participating in a criminal act);
- Article 466 of the Criminal Code if investigators find elements of planning in the incident;
- Other relevant provisions regarding the unauthorized possession, use, or involvement in the use of firearms and ammunition, as determined by the investigation.
“If proven to have participated in a crime that resulted in the victim’s death, the suspect faces a heavy prison sentence or life imprisonment in accordance with the applicable Criminal Code,” said the Head of the Task Force.
The Head of Operation Peace Carstensz 2026, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that the arrests are part of the authorities’ commitment to prosecuting all perpetrators involved in acts of armed violence that result in loss of life.
“These arrests are the result of professional investigative and development work carried out by the Operation Peace Carstensz Task Force. Any party suspected of involvement in a crime that resulted in the loss of life will be prosecuted according to applicable law. We are committed to providing legal certainty for victims and maintaining the security of the Papuan people,” said Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani.
He added that authorities will continue to develop investigations to uncover networks and other parties suspected of involvement in various security disturbances in Central Papua.
“Law enforcement will continue to be carried out in a measured, professional, and sustainable manner. We will take action against any perpetrators involved in armed violence that threaten public safety or regional security stability,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head of the Cartenz 2026 Peace Operation, Senior Commissioner Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., said investigators are still investigating YM’s role in the case, including his possible involvement in a number of other crimes that occurred in the Tembagapura area and its surroundings.
“The investigation is still intensively ongoing to further understand his role in the shooting incident. Investigators are also developing possible links to other cases currently being handled by law enforcement,” said Senior Commissioner Adarma Sinaga.
Currently, the Cartenz 2026 Peace Operation Task Force together with the Puncak Police and Mimika Police are still conducting intensive examinations and developing investigations to uncover the possible involvement of other perpetrators in the armed group network operating in the Central Papua region.
