Jayapura, – The Damai Cartenz Task Force concluded 2025 with contrasting records. On one hand, the operation achieved significant success in neutralizing several key leaders of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB).
On the other hand, the number of fatalities resulting from violent attacks increased sharply compared to the previous year, with civilians accounting for the majority of victims.
These facts were revealed in the Damai Cartenz Task Force’s end-of-year report released in Jayapura on Monday (December 22, 2025). The report highlights a widening gap between law enforcement achievements and the escalation of brutal attacks carried out by the KKB throughout 2025.
Strategic Achievements of Operation Damai Cartenz 2025
The year 2025 was described as a “major blow” to the KKB’s command structure. Head of Operation Damai Cartenz, Brigadier General Pol. Faizal Ramadhani, outlined a number of strategic achievements that were considered to surpass the results of operations in 2024.
“This year, we focused on high-value targets. The greatest achievements of Operation Damai Cartenz 2025 include the neutralization of the ‘Red Ant’ Battalion Commander in Yahukimo Regency last November, as well as the prevention of large-scale firearms smuggling in Puncak Jaya in March 2025,” Brigjen. Faizal emphasized.
He explained that these successes effectively disrupted parts of the KKB’s logistical supply chains in the central highlands of Papua. This progress was regarded as more advanced compared to the containment strategy that predominantly characterized operations in 2024.
Comparative Data: 2024 vs 2025
Despite the successful neutralization of several key KKB figures, statistical data indicate a shift in the group’s attack patterns and tactics. Throughout 2025, the KKB reportedly acted in a more desperate and brutal manner.
Year 2024
Based on data from the Indonesian National Police Headquarters, 217 security disturbance incidents were recorded, resulting in a total of 73 fatalities involving bothl civilians and security personnel. Attack patterns were generally dispersed and characterized by hit-and-run tactics.
Year 2025
As of mid-December 2025, the total number of incidents had slightly decreased to 198 cases. However, the level of lethality rose significantly, with more than 108 fatalities recorded, the majority of whom were civilians.
“If in 2024 their primary targets were public facilities, then in 2025 the attacks were directed straight at human lives. The reduction in KKB personnel has instead driven the remaining members to act more extremely in order to demonstrate their existence,” Brig. Gen. Faizal explained.
Evaluation and Strategy for 2026
In response to these trends, the Damai Cartenz Task Force has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its operational approach. While previous efforts focused mainly on pursuing KKB leaders in forested and mountainous areas, future strategies are expected to be expanded.
In 2026, operations are projected to target the dismantling of sleeper cells within villages that are suspected of serving as intelligence networks and logistical support for armed groups.
“The casualty figures in 2025 are an alarm for all of us. In 2024, we managed to suppress their operational areas, but in 2025 they retaliated with terror against civilians. This is what we will firmly address in 2026,” he concluded.
