Indonesian Police Seize Cache of Firearms and Ammunition Meant for Separatist Group in Papua
JAKARTA, March 9 (Bernama) — Indonesian police have arrested three suspects and seized a large cache of firearms and ammunition in an effort to disrupt the smuggling of weapons to the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Puncak Jaya, Papua.
Background and Operations
The weapons, intended for the group led by Lerimayu Telengen, were intercepted following a week of surveillance by the Damai Cartenz Task Force and Papua Police.
Key Developments
- Main suspect Yuni Enumbi, 29, was arrested on March 6 in Keerom Regency, along with a lorry driver and his assistant, who claimed to be unaware of the cargo’s contents.
- Task force operation head Brigadier General (Police) Faizal Ramadhani stated that the seizure would help hinder the flow of illegal arms to separatist groups.
- Authorities recovered two unassembled long-barrelled rifles, four G2 Pindad pistols, and an air rifle fitted with a laser sight, suppressor, and scope.
- They also seized IDR 369.6 million (US$24,640) in cash and 632 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, as well as 250 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
- The weapons were reportedly purchased for IDR 1.3 billion (US$86,667) from outside Papua.
Ongoing Investigations
Task force spokesperson Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo said: "This success is just the beginning. We are committed to tracing the origins of these weapons and identifying all parties involved."
Regional Conflict and Impact
The conflict between Indonesian forces and separatist rebels in Papua has escalated in recent years, with increasing attacks on both security forces and civilians.
Conclusion
The seizure of these weapons and the arrest of the suspects is a significant step in disrupting the flow of illegal arms to separatist groups in Papua. The ongoing investigation will aim to uncover the origins of these weapons and identify all parties involved. This success is just the beginning, and we are committed to tracing the origins of these weapons and identifying all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the purpose of the seizure?
A: The seizure was intended to disrupt the smuggling of weapons to the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Puncak Jaya, Papua.
Q: Who were the main suspects arrested?
A: Main suspect Yuni Enumbi, 29, and two others, a lorry driver and his assistant, were arrested on March 6 in Keerom Regency.
Q: What were the weapons seized?
A: Two unassembled long-barrelled rifles, four G2 Pindad pistols, and an air rifle fitted with a laser sight, suppressor, and scope were seized.
Q: How much was the weapons purchased for?
A: The weapons were reportedly purchased for IDR 1.3 billion (US$86,667) from outside Papua.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: Investigations are ongoing, and the task force is committed to tracing the origins of these weapons and identifying all parties involved.