JAYAPURA – Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, emphasized the authorities’ commitment to upholding security in Papua. This is marked by firm steps against the separatist movement of the Free Papua Organization (OPM), while ensuring the safety of civil society is maintained. The public is also asked not to be incited by various provocations spread by separatist gangs.
“The joint operation of the Yonif RK 753/AVT/Elang IV Task Force and Mandala IV Task Force on July 16 2024 succeeded in taking firm action against 3 OPM members in Karubate Village, Mulia, Puncak Jaya. “The three OPM members are members of Teranus Enumbi, which is known to be sadistic in carrying out terror and violence against civilians and security forces,” said Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan.
According to Lt. Col. Inf Candra, the OPM gang led by Teranus Enumbi and several of his members carried firearms and put up resistance when they were about to be arrested at a kiosk/stall. They fired shots that threatened TNI soldiers, who then had to incapacitate them as a measure to maintain security and protect civilians and security forces.
“This action was taken after the Teranus Enumbi OPM gang and its members repeatedly carried out attacks on civilians and security forces, including several cases of attacks and murders that occurred in the last few months. “Teranus Enumbi itself has been included in the Police DPO regarding the criminal act of attacking security forces in 2018,” continued Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih, Lt. Col. Inf Candra Kurniawan.
Kapendam said that there were several atrocities by this group recently, such as, 19 June 2024 attacking and shooting motorbike taxi drivers, Husen (39), 31 May 2024 attacking and shooting civilians, Prasetyo (33), 30 May 2024 attacking and shooting motorbike drivers. ojek, Jainul (44), March 19 2024 attacked, shot and slashed 2 security officers, Sertu Ismunandar and Serka Salim.
Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra emphasized that these operational activities are part of ongoing efforts to maintain stability and security in Papua, while ensuring protection for civil society. His party is also committed to enforcing the law and taking action against all forms of security disturbances carried out by separatist groups. Furthermore, the public is asked not to be incited by provocations by separatist groups so that security stability in Papua is maintained.
“In order to maintain regional stability, we will continue to work together with the Police to ensure that security and order in Papua are maintained,” concluded Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra.