Inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. Papua Regional Police Head of Public Relations Senior Superintendent Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo has confirmed there were no hostages taken during the construction of a community health center, locally known as Puskesmas, in Kilunggame Village, Sinak Barat District, Central Papua.
“The workers, including locals and those from outside Sinak, are safe and continuing their work,” he said on Monday (2/12/2024), as quoted by antaranews.com.
His statement counters circulating claims that the armed criminal group (KKB) held the construction workers hostage.
According to reports, the KKB, accompanied by local residents, demanded payment for labor and materials, such as wood and stones sourced from the community. The group, some wielding firearms, is pressuring the Puncak regency administration to settle outstanding wages and procurement costs.
A video, purportedly showing KKB members led by Kelenak Murib and Lekagak Telenggen, surfaced on social media on 30 November 2024. The two-minute clip features the group calling for immediate payments.
(mg/inp/pr/nm)