PapuaAround.com – A construction worker, Raimon Gustam Kailimang, was shot dead by members of an Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. The incident occurred in the Sugapa District, where Kailimang was working on a project for Tigi Jaya Permai.
According to Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, Head of Operation Damai Cartenz-2024, Kailimang suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the head. “The victim sustained serious injuries, including a gunshot wound that pierced from his left ear to his right ear, a gunshot wound to his right arm, and another to his right chest,” Ramadhani said in a statement.
Ramadhani explained that security forces initially responded after hearing gunshots from Wandoga Village. “We immediately dispatched a drone to monitor the situation, and we found the victim lying with gunshot wounds all over his body,” he added. The shooting was reportedly carried out by members of Kodap VIII Intan Jaya, led by Lewis Kogoya.
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Kombes Pol. Bayu Suseno, Head of Public Relations Task Force Ops Damai Cartenz-2024, provided further details on the incident. Kailimang, along with his colleague Robi Belau, had gone to a river to collect water. “They got out of their vehicle and began setting up a hose to draw water from the river when a KKB member armed with a long rifle approached them,” Suseno said.
Belau managed to escape the attack, but Kailimang was not as fortunate. “The assailant shot Raimon Gustam Kailimang from a distance of about one meter. The attacker also struck Robi Belau before fleeing towards Mount Wabuk,” Suseno explained.
Robi Belau is currently being questioned by the Ops Damai Cartenz-2024 investigation team and the Intan Jaya Police. Authorities are working to gather more information about the incident and to track down the perpetrators.
In the meantime, the victim’s body has been evacuated by the Ops Damai Cartenz-2024 and the 509/BY Task Force to Sugapa Health Center. Plans are in place to fly the body to Makassar on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
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The shooting underscores the ongoing tensions in Papua Tengah, where KKB groups have been involved in numerous violent incidents. The region has seen a rise in such attacks, targeting both civilians and security personnel. Local authorities have increased their efforts to curb these activities, but the situation remains volatile.
In response to the latest incident, security measures in the area have been heightened. Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani emphasized the importance of vigilance and cooperation among local residents and security forces. “We urge the community to report any suspicious activities and to remain alert as we continue our operations to ensure safety in the region,” he said.
The Indonesian government has condemned the attack, reiterating its commitment to restoring peace and security in Papua Tengah. The Ministry of Defense has vowed to intensify operations against KKB groups, aiming to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Local leaders and community organizations have also expressed their concern over the incident, calling for dialogue and reconciliation. They stressed the need for a peaceful approach to resolving the issues in Papua Tengah, urging both the government and armed groups to seek non-violent solutions.
As investigations continue, the people of Papua Tengah remain on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing violence in their region. The tragic death of Raimon Gustam Kailimang serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those living in conflict zones, and the urgent need for lasting peace.
Source: Kumparan.
