Papuaaround.com – The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force successfully apprehended a fugitive member of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Papua, identified as Yekis Wanimbo, who allegedly played a significant role in financing the group’s firearms purchases. The arrest was carried out by the joint law enforcement and intelligence team on Tuesday afternoon, June 10, at approximately 2:35 PM Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT).
Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, the Head of Cartenz Peace Operation, confirmed the arrest in a written statement on Thursday, June 12. “The joint team from the Law Enforcement and Intelligence Task Forces of the Cartenz Peace Operation has successfully apprehended the KKB Puncak fugitive, Yekis Wanimbo, also known as Salahmakan Tabuni,” he stated.
The operation was launched after intelligence teams obtained information suggesting that Yekis was attempting to escape to Timika. To evade detection, he had reportedly altered his appearance by shaving his hair and beard.
During questioning, Yekis disclosed that he was planning to meet an individual named Yoyakim Mujizau, who is also currently under investigation. Authorities are still examining the nature of their connection and any possible links to broader KKB activities.
According to Brig. Gen. Faizal, Yekis Wanimbo is affiliated with the faction led by Numbuk Telenggen and was involved in a 2021 arson attack targeting critical infrastructure owned by PT Unggul in Mundidok Village, Puncak Regency. Alongside Beniku Tabuni and Alenus Tabuni, Yekis allegedly participated in dousing PT Unggul’s facility with gasoline before setting it ablaze.
Further investigation revealed that Yekis had been actively funding the KKB’s operations using proceeds from his illegal gold panning activities in Kali Kuluk, Tembagapura. The funds were reportedly used to finance various group operations, including the procurement of firearms.
During the arrest, officers seized several pieces of evidence, including a Pindad-manufactured revolver, a Papua Bank savings book, and two packages of gold obtained from illegal panning activities. These items are now being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Brig. Gen. Faizal emphasized that authorities are continuing to investigate Yekis’ role in the KKB’s broader network, particularly his involvement in the group’s arms distribution and financing systems. The findings from the ongoing interrogation will serve as a foundation for further actions against the armed group led by Numbuk Telenggen.
“The suspect has been transferred to the Timika Law Enforcement Task Force Headquarters for intensive questioning,” Faizal concluded.
The arrest of Yekis Wanimbo marks a significant step in the government’s continuing efforts to weaken the KKB’s operational capabilities and disrupt its funding sources. The authorities remain committed to dismantling the network and restoring security in Papua.
