JAYAPURA – The Operation Damai Cartenz-2026 Police Task Force, in coordination with the Papua Regional Police, has apprehended two men—identified by the initials RS (37) and SW (33)—as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged illegal firearms and ammunition distribution network. The arrests took place in the Perumnas III Waena area, Jayapura City, Papua, on Thursday (October 15, 2026) at approximately 10:30 WIT (Eastern Indonesian Time).
The operation was conducted based on Police Report Number LP/A/1/III/SPKT.DITKRIMUM/POLDA PAPUA, dated March 13, 2026. Following their apprehension, both individuals were taken to the Papua Regional Police headquarters for questioning regarding their alleged involvement in the illegal distribution network for firearms and ammunition.
Speaking to the media on Thursday (October 15), the Head of the Public Relations Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz-2026, Police Grand Commissioner (Kombes Pol.) Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., explained that these arrests are part of an investigation into a network that has been under scrutiny for the past several months.
“This action is a follow-up to the investigation into an illegal firearms and ammunition distribution network that has been ongoing over the last few months,” stated the Head of the Public Relations Task Force.
Based on preliminary examinations, the Head of the Public Relations Task Force noted that RS has been named a suspect, as he is alleged to have acted as an intermediary within the illegal ammunition distribution network. Meanwhile, SW remains classified as a witness and is undergoing further questioning to determine the extent of his potential involvement. “RS has been named a suspect for allegedly acting as an intermediary within an illegal ammunition distribution network. Meanwhile, SW remains a witness and is currently undergoing further questioning. Investigators will examine SW’s role to determine whether there is any involvement in the criminal offense. Any subsequent change in legal status will depend on the findings of the investigation,” stated the Head of the Public Relations Task Force.
Based on the investigation, RS is suspected of serving as an intermediary in the distribution and sale of illegal ammunition and was already on the wanted list (DPO) in connection with the case. RS and SW are also believed to be linked as connectors within a network associated with an individual identified as SP.
Nevertheless, investigators are still looking into the nature of the relationships between the parties involved, as well as the potential involvement of other individuals.
During the enforcement operation, authorities seized several pieces of evidence, which are now part of the ongoing investigation. The items secured include:
- 1 (one) round of 9mm caliber ammunition
- 1 (one) airsoft gun
- 4 (four) bladed weapons, consisting of 2 combat knives and 2 machetes
- 2 (two) laptops or netbooks
- 1 (one) tablet
- 15 (fifteen) mobile phones of various brands—13 of which are reported to be in working order, while 2 are damaged
- 1 (one) projector, including its cables
- 1 (one) drone camera, complete with remote control and battery
- 1 (one) Honda Sonic R150 motorcycle
All of this evidence will undergo further examination and analysis by investigators to determine its relevance to the case, including whether it contains information that could help uncover the connections between the various parties involved in the illegal distribution network for firearms and ammunition. Head of the Public Relations Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz 2026, Police Grand Commissioner (Kombes Pol.) Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., explained that the investigation into a network involved in the distribution and circulation of illegal firearms and ammunition in Jayapura has reached a stage where 19 individuals are currently being processed.
“Following the uncovering of a network involved in the circulation of illegal ammunition and firearms in Jayapura, 19 individuals have been taken into custody. Of this number, the cases of two individuals have been submitted to the public prosecutor (Stage I), 13 individuals have reached the stage of case file and suspect handover (Stage II), and four others remain under ongoing investigation,” stated the Head of the Public Relations Task Force.
The details of the individuals currently involved in these legal proceedings are as follows:
Stage I – Submission of case files to the public prosecutor:
- LNR – allegedly acted as an intermediary for weapons and ammunition.
- BEI – allegedly acted as an intermediary for weapons and ammunition.
Stage II – Handover of suspects and evidence to the public prosecutor:
- SP – allegedly acted as a purchaser of firearms and ammunition.
- OB – allegedly acted as a financier/purchaser of weapons and ammunition.
- YP – allegedly acted as a financier.
- MKM – allegedly acted as an intermediary for weapons.
- DK – allegedly acted as an intermediary for weapons and ammunition.
- KO – allegedly acted as an intermediary for weapons and ammunition.
- SM – allegedly acted as an intermediary for weapons and ammunition.
- HM – allegedly acted as a seller of ammunition and magazines.
- AKW – allegedly acted as a supplier of ammunition.
- NH – allegedly acted as a financier.
- HLT – allegedly acted as a supplier of ammunition to AKW. 12. YK – allegedly acted as an intermediary for weapons and ammunition.
- AG – allegedly acted as an intermediary for weapons and ammunition.
Currently under investigation:
- YYS, alias OS, alias K – allegedly acted as a liaison within a weapons and ammunition network.
- IHB, alias H – allegedly acted as a liaison within a weapons and ammunition network.
- RS – has been named a suspect and allegedly acted as an intermediary within a network for the distribution of illegal ammunition.
- SW – currently holds the status of a witness and is undergoing further questioning.
Investigators are continuing to develop the case to examine the specific roles of each individual, trace the connections between them, and uncover any other parties potentially linked to the network.
Regarding the alleged criminal offense of unauthorized possession or control of firearms and ammunition, the interview transcript references the application of Article 306 in conjunction with Article 20 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years of imprisonment. The specific legal provisions applied to each individual will depend on their legal status, the acts they are alleged to have committed, and the findings of the investigation.
The Head of the Public Relations Task Force emphasized that the investigation will continue to expand in order to trace the supply chain and identify other parties suspected of involvement. He also urged the public to support law enforcement efforts by providing relevant information to the police.
“We urge the public to entrust the handling of cases involving the distribution of illegal ammunition and firearms in the Papua region to the police—specifically, the ‘Operasi Damai Cartenz’ (Peaceful Cartenz Operation) Police Task Force,” stated the Head of the Public Relations Task Force.
Head of Operasi Damai Cartenz-2026, Police Inspector General Dr. Faisal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that the uncovering of illegal firearm and ammunition distribution networks must be conducted comprehensively through a professional law enforcement process, grounded in valid evidence.
“This case must be handled professionally, based on facts and admissible evidence. We urge investigators to continue probing every link in the network so that those proven to be involved can be processed in accordance with applicable law,” asserted the Head of Operations (Kaops).
Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of Operation ‘Damai Cartenz-2026’ (Peace in Cartenz-2026), Police Grand Commissioner (Kombes Pol.) Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., urged the public to refrain from any involvement in the unauthorized possession, storage, distribution, or transaction of firearms and ammunition.
“We invite the public to join us in maintaining security in the Land of Papua. If you have information regarding the suspected distribution of illegal firearms and ammunition, please report it immediately to the security forces through official channels. Every piece of information will be followed up according to legal procedures, while ensuring the safety and confidentiality of the informant’s identity. In principle, the police exist to protect the public, and successfully maintaining security requires cooperation between the police and the community,” stated the Deputy Head of Operation ‘Damai Cartenz-2026’.
The ‘Damai Cartenz-2026’ Task Force, in coordination with the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua), ensures that the investigation will continue to be developed professionally and in compliance with the law, while upholding the presumption of innocence for all individuals currently under examination.
