TIMIKA, CENTRAL PAPUA – The Central Papua Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Operations Task Force has detained three individuals in connection with the alleged possession and distribution of illegal ammunition in Mimika Regency, Central Papua. Investigators also seized dozens of rounds of various types of ammunition as evidence in the case.
The three individuals were detained on Tuesday (September 29, 2026), in Mimika Regency. They were identified by their initials as DRW (24), PY (23), and GT (25). All three were detained as part of the investigation into the alleged misuse and distribution of ammunition.
The case is being investigated under Police Report Number LP/A/25/IX/2026/SPKT.SATRESKRIM/POLRES MIMIKA/POLDA PAPUA TENGAH, concerning the alleged criminal offense of misuse of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
Head of the Public Relations Task Force of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., said in an interview on Wednesday (September 30, 2026), that the detentions were part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged possession and distribution of illegal ammunition.
“Of the three individuals detained, investigators seized evidence consisting of 67 rounds of live 5.56 mm ammunition, three rounds of 5.56 mm rubber ammunition, and one round of 5.56 mm blank ammunition. In addition to the ammunition, investigators also seized one motorcycle and one mobile phone,” said the Head of the Public Relations Task Force.
He added that investigators are still questioning and conducting further inquiries into the three individuals to determine their respective roles and possible involvement of other parties.
“Based on the investigation, investigators have identified the alleged roles of the individuals detained. DRW is suspected of acting as a courier, carrying 66 rounds of live 5.56 mm ammunition, three rounds of 5.56 mm rubber ammunition, and one round of 5.56 mm blank ammunition. Meanwhile, PY is also suspected of acting as a courier, carrying one round of live 5.56 mm ammunition,” he explained.
“Based on the questioning of DRW and PY, investigators obtained information indicating that the ammunition allegedly belonged to GT, who is suspected of acting as the seller and asking the two individuals to assist in selling the ammunition,” he continued.
Regarding the case, the Head of the Public Relations Task Force explained that investigators are handling an alleged criminal offense involving the misuse of firearms, ammunition, and explosives as stipulated under Article 306 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.
“In this case, investigators are handling the alleged criminal offense of misuse of firearms, ammunition, and explosives as stipulated under Article 306 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. The provision carries a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment,” he said.
“Nevertheless, investigators are continuing to examine the roles and involvement of each party, including the relationship between DRW, PY, and GT in the alleged ammunition sale. The legal process will be conducted based on the facts and evidence obtained during the investigation,” he added.
Commander of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Inspector General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., said the detentions were part of the law enforcement process concerning the alleged possession and distribution of illegal ammunition in Mimika.
“The detention of three individuals and the seizure of ammunition as evidence are part of the ongoing law enforcement process. Investigators will examine all facts and evidence to establish the role of each party and identify any other individuals who may be connected to the case,” said the Commander of the Damai Cartenz Operation.
The Commander of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation emphasized that the legal process would be carried out professionally and in a measured manner, while adhering to applicable laws and regulations as well as the principle of presumption of innocence.
“Every stage of the case will be handled based on the facts and evidence obtained during the investigation. We will ensure that the process is carried out in accordance with legal procedures,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commander of the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Senior Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., appealed to the public to remain calm and not be easily influenced by unverified information concerning the case.
“We urge the public to remain calm and not be provoked by information whose source or accuracy has not been verified. We ask the public to entrust the handling of this case to law enforcement authorities and work together to maintain a safe and stable security situation,” said the Deputy Commander.
The Deputy Commander of the Damai Cartenz Operation also urged the public not to disseminate information that has not been confirmed, as it could cause concern and unrest within the community.
The Central Papua Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Operations Task Force confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing to fully determine the origin of the ammunition, the roles of the individuals detained, and any other parties who may be connected to the case.
