Inp.polri.go.id - Manokwari. The West Papua Regional Police will proceed with the third phase of their search for former Teluk Bintuni Sub-regional Police Criminal Investigation Chief, First Inspector Tomi Samuel Marbun, who went missing during an operation against an armed criminal group (KKB).

"We expect the third search phase to begin next week," said Senior Superintendent Ongky Isgunawan, the West Papua Police Head of Public Relations, on Tuesday (18/3/2025).

Chief Marbun was swept away by strong currents while crossing the Rawara River on 18 December 2024. 

The first search operation ran from 18 to 30 December 2024, followed by a second phase from 27 January to 1 February 2025. Prior search efforts faced challenges, including strong river currents, limited food supplies, and capsized boats, according to antaranews.com.

The operation, coordinated with the Indonesian National Police (INP) Headquarters, follows recommendations from the House of Representatives (DPR)' Commission III during a hearing on Monday. 

Preparations include securing logistics and obtaining clearance for a helicopter from the Damai Cartenz Task Force, currently under maintenance, Chief Isgunawan said.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)