JAYAPURA, PAPUA – The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, in coordination with the Papua Regional Police Criminal Investigation Directorate, has continued its investigation into an alleged weapons and ammunition network in the Jayapura area. As part of the investigation, officers arrested a 23-year-old man identified by the initials IHB, also known as H, who was listed as a wanted person, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
IHB was arrested at approximately 1:34 p.m. local time in the Padang Bulan area, Heram District, Jayapura City. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Papua Regional Police Criminal Investigation Directorate for further questioning regarding his alleged involvement in the weapons and ammunition network under investigation.
The arrest was made as part of the development of a case based on Police Report Number LP/A/1/III/2026/SPKT.DITKRIMUM/POLDA PAPUA, dated March 13, 2026.
In the case, IHB was listed as a wanted person under Wanted Person Notice Number DPO/17/IV/2026/RES.1.17./Ditreskrimum, dated April 15, 2026. Based on the investigation, IHB is suspected of serving as a liaison or intermediary in weapons and ammunition transactions together with YYS, also known as OS or K, connecting a buyer identified by the initials SP with a seller identified by the initials YK.
Head of Public Relation of the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., said in an interview on Wednesday, October 7, that investigators had secured a number of items of evidence since March.
The evidence includes 298 rounds of ammunition, four long SS1 magazines, one short SS1 magazine, one homemade firearm, and six firearm barrels from World War II that were found in rusty condition.
“We have also successfully arrested 17 suspects who are allegedly involved in this illegal ammunition and firearms smuggling network,” said the Head of Public Relation.
Of the 17 individuals involved in the handling of the weapons and ammunition network case, 13 have entered Stage II of the legal process, namely:
- SP – buyer of firearms and ammunition;
- OB – financier and buyer of firearms and ammunition;
- YP – financier;
- MKM – firearms intermediary;
- DK – firearms and ammunition intermediary;
- KO – firearms and ammunition intermediary;
- SM – firearms and ammunition intermediary;
- HM – seller of ammunition and magazines;
- AKW – ammunition supplier;
- NH – financier;
- HLT – ammunition supplier to AKW;
- YK – firearms and ammunition intermediary;
- AG – firearms and ammunition intermediary.
Two individuals have entered Stage I of the legal process:
- LNR – firearms and ammunition intermediary;
- BEI – firearms and ammunition intermediary.
Meanwhile, two individuals remain at the investigation stage:
- YYS, also known as OS or K – liaison to the firearms and ammunition network;
- IHB, also known as H – liaison to the firearms and ammunition network.
The arrest of IHB represents a further development in the case following the arrest of YYS, also known as OS or K, by the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 on September 29, 2026, in the Argapura area of Jayapura City.
YYS was also listed as a wanted person in the same case and is suspected of serving as a liaison within the firearms and ammunition network.
According to the Head of Public Relation, investigators have applied Article 306 in conjunction with Article 20 of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code to IHB. The provision concerns the alleged unlawful possession or control of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other hazardous materials, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
Investigators are continuing to question IHB to establish his alleged role and involvement and to determine his links to other individuals within the network.
“The investigators of the Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz, together with the Papua Regional Police Criminal Investigation Directorate, will continue to develop this case. Successfully uncovering this case indicates that the circulation and smuggling of ammunition and firearms still exist. We must continue developing the case until we break the chain of illegal ammunition and firearms smuggling,” said the Head of Public Relation.
Meanwhile, Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., said that the arrest of IHB was part of a gradual case development process aimed at uncovering the network involved in firearms and ammunition transactions.
“This arrest resulted from the development of an ongoing investigation. IHB is suspected of serving as a liaison in the firearms and ammunition transaction network. However, the roles and links of each individual are still being investigated based on facts and evidence,” said the Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026.
He emphasized that the investigation would continue to be conducted professionally and in a measured manner to ensure that anyone suspected of being involved could be held accountable in accordance with the law.
“Every piece of information will be verified, and every alleged involvement will be examined objectively. Investigators will ensure that the legal process is based on facts, statements from the parties involved, and lawful evidence,” he said.
Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., said that the investigation into the network was still underway to uncover the entire chain of firearms and ammunition circulation.
“Following the arrest of IHB, investigators will conduct further questioning to examine his alleged role as part of the development of the network currently under investigation. We will ensure that the process is conducted professionally and in accordance with the law,” said the Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2026.
He also urged members of the public not to become involved in the illegal circulation, storage, possession, or transactions of firearms and ammunition.
“We urge the public not to become involved in illegal activities related to firearms and ammunition. If you become aware of any suspicious activity, immediately report it to the security authorities so that it can be followed up in accordance with the law,” he said.
IHB, also known as H, remains at the Papua Regional Police Criminal Investigation Directorate for further questioning. Investigators will continue developing the case to examine the role of each individual, trace the network, and determine whether other parties may be connected to the case.
The Police Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2026 emphasized that all case-handling procedures are being conducted based on facts and evidence obtained during the investigation, while upholding professionalism, proportionality, and the presumption of innocence.
