inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. The 2026 Damai Cartenz Task Force, in conjunction with the Papua Regional Police, successfully uncovered a firearms and ammunition transaction network suspected of being supplied to armed criminal groups (KKB) operating in the Yalimo and Yahukimo regions.
During a law enforcement operation conducted on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency, authorities arrested eight individuals suspected of involvement in the network, along with evidence including homemade firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, magazines, and several other items related to the perpetrators' activities.
This disclosure is the result of an intensive investigation by security forces into the circulation of illegal firearms allegedly destined for armed groups in the Papuan highlands. Of the eight individuals arrested, five were named suspects following a case presentation on March 13, 2026.
The five suspects are SP (38), who acted as both the source and purchaser of the homemade firearms and ammunition. OB (22), also known as Bakuru, is known to have contributed funds for the purchase of the homemade firearms and ammunition, totaling approximately IDR 122 million.
In addition, YP (35) contributed funds to purchase approximately IDR 13 million worth of ammunition. M-K-M (39) assisted in delivering and connecting buyers with sellers of assembled firearms, and DK (35) acted as an intermediary in the firearms and ammunition transactions.
The other three individuals previously detained are currently being held as witnesses as investigators continue to investigate their roles.
As a result of this investigation, authorities also secured several pieces of evidence, including one assembled long-barreled firearm, 298 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, five magazines, several cell phones, and bags and identity documents suspected of being related to the perpetrators' activities.
Based on preliminary investigations, the firearms and ammunition were allegedly destined for armed criminal groups operating in the Yalimo and Yahukimo areas to strengthen their arsenal.
The Head of Public Relations for the 2026 Damai Cartenz Task Force, Senior Superintendent Yusuf Sutejo, emphasized that his team will continue to investigate the case to uncover a broader network.
"The Task Force will continue to investigate this case to uncover a broader network, including tracing the source of illegal weapons and ammunition entering Papua. This step is being taken as an effort to disrupt the arms supply chain to armed criminal groups," Senior Superintendent Yusuf told reporters on Saturday (3/14/2026).
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