Yahukimo – Efforts to enforce the law against armed groups in Papua have shown significant progress. The task force of Operation Damai Cartenz Task Force successfully arrested Philip Kobak, a commander of the Free Papua Movement(OPM) in the Kodap XVI Yahukimo area, who is suspected of being involved in several violent incidents in the region.
The arrest is seen as an important step in maintaining public security while reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting civilians from threats posed by armed groups.
“When the suspect became aware of the presence of officers, he abandoned his vehicle and fled into the forest. After a search operation, the suspect was finally secured at 16:44 WIT,” said Yusuf Sutejo.
The arrest began after the law enforcement team detected the suspect’s presence at the intersection of Jhon Banua Streetin Dekai. Authorities then launched a pursuit when the suspect attempted to flee toward the area near Kali Brasa Church.
After the suspect was apprehended, investigators conducted searches at his residence and several other locations believed to have been used as temporary bases by the armed group in the Yahukimo area. During the search, authorities discovered a number of items suspected to be linked to the group’s activities.
The confiscated evidence included four rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, two rounds of 9 mm ammunition, a sharpened iron rod, a bow and 31 arrows, four machetes, three axes, one bayonet, two kitchen knives, one 5.56 mm projectile, and 45 spent cartridges of 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm ammunition.
“The suspect is also believed to be involved in several acts of violence, including the machete attack on Muhammad Syarif on January 11, 2026, as well as the burning of SMK Negeri 2 Dekai on February 14, 2026,” emphasized Yusuf Sutejo.
Meanwhile, the increasing violence targeting civilians in Papua has drawn concern from various groups. Attacks against civilians are widely regarded as unacceptable under any circumstances.
The Director of Merah Pusaka Stratejik Indonesia (MPSI), Noor Azhari, stressed that civilians must never become targets of violence, particularly those who work simply to support their daily livelihoods.
“Civilians, including mining workers who are earning a living, must not be targets of violence. They are not part of the conflict. Therefore, they deserve protection,” said Noor Azhari.
According to him, violence against civilians not only causes casualties but also creates prolonged fear and trauma among communities in surrounding areas. Such conditions have the potential to disrupt social stability as well as the economic activities of local residents.
“Mining workers are civilians carrying out economic activities. Violence against them will only worsen the humanitarian situation and add to the list of victims in a prolonged conflict,” Noor added.
Furthermore, Noor emphasized that protecting civilians must be the top priority in every effort to maintain security stability in Papua. Coordination among security forces, local governments, and community leaders is considered essential to ensure that communities can live safely and with dignity.
