Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian military (TNI) is pursuing members of the separatist Free Papua Movement (OPM) suspected of killing a civilian driver in Highland Papua, a military spokesman said on Saturday.
The military is strengthening security and pursuing those responsible for the attack, TNI Information Office Head Major General Muhammad Nas said.
The operation reflects the military’s commitment to protecting national sovereignty while ensuring the safety of communities in the region, Nas said.
The TNI would also prevent groups seeking separation from Indonesia from dividing communities in Papua, he said, adding that the TNI remains committed to defending the state, protecting national territory and ensuring public safety.
The TNI’s Habema Operations Command identified the OPM’s Kodap III Ndugama faction as responsible for the fatal attack on driver Aris Sanda.
Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna, a Habema Operations Command spokesman, said the incident occurred early Tuesday, Sept. 15, when an armed group stopped Sanda’s pickup truck.
Sanda was transporting passengers from Wamena to Mbua when the group searched his vehicle and ordered the passengers to return to Wamena.
The attackers detained Sanda, a native of Toraja, South Sulawesi Province, and forced him to walk toward Lake Habema, Wirya said.
Military personnel launched a search on Wednesday, Sept. 16, after receiving reports that Sanda had been abducted, according to Wirya.
The team later found a burned vehicle and Sanda’s body, Wirya said. His remains were then evacuated while the cause of death remains under investigation.
The military will continue pursuing the armed groups and support law enforcement in accordance with regulations to prevent further casualties and improve public security, Wirya said.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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