Papuaaround.com – In a significant breakthrough, a joint operation involving four Regional Police forces successfully intercepted an arms smuggling operation intended for the armed criminal group (KKB) in Papua. The coordinated effort led to the arrest of seven suspects from various regions across Indonesia.
The arms smuggling operation was uncovered after an extensive investigation that began with the arrest of Yuni Enumbi (YE) by the Papua Regional Police. Information extracted from YE revealed shocking details about the supply chain of illegal weapons funneled to separatist groups in Papua.
Papua Police Chief Inspector General Patrige R. Renwarin, S.H., M.Si., emphasized that this success was the result of exceptional cooperation among the Papua Regional Police, West Papua Regional Police, East Java Regional Police, and Yogyakarta Regional Police.
“This is an extraordinary cross-regional collaboration. We have arrested seven suspects and confiscated multiple firearms and ammunition. This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the people of Papua from the threat posed by the KKB,” said Inspector General Renwarin during a press conference at the Papua Police Headquarters on Tuesday (March 11, 2025).
Between March 6 and 9, 2025, law enforcement confiscated 17 firearms, including six long-barrel rifles, six handguns, and five improvised weapons. Additionally, authorities seized 3,573 rounds of live ammunition.
Further investigations led to the discovery of weapons manufacturing tools, such as lathes, grinders, welding machines, and compressors. These were reportedly used to assemble homemade firearms for the separatist group.
Among the seven arrested individuals, one key figure stood out—YE, also known as JAS—who allegedly played a central role in financing and coordinating the purchase of firearms for the KKB in Puncak Jaya. The other suspects, identified as TW, MH, MK, P, ES, and AP, were also implicated in the operation.
“YE is the mastermind behind this smuggling operation, responsible for providing funds and coordinating the procurement of weapons. Their involvement with the KKB is well established. Our investigation will continue,” Inspector General Renwarin asserted.
In addition to firearms and ammunition, police recovered two active detonators, a rifle stock magazine, makeshift gun barrels, and IDR 369.6 million in cash. Authorities suspect the funds were intended for future arms purchases.
“This money was likely meant for further transactions. Fortunately, we managed to seize it along with other critical evidence,” Renwarin added.
The suspects face charges under Article 1, Paragraph 1 of Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951 in conjunction with Article 55 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) for illegal possession, storage, and trafficking of firearms.
“The penalties are severe—life imprisonment or even the death sentence. We take arms smuggling into Papua very seriously,” Renwarin stated firmly.
Inspector General Renwarin reiterated that this operation reflects the government’s dedication to maintaining peace in Papua. Authorities are tightening security measures to disrupt arms smuggling networks that endanger civilians.
“Papua must remain peaceful. The sound of gunfire should never shatter the hopes and tranquility of its people. We are committed to safeguarding this land,” he concluded.
This successful operation serves as a stern warning to arms smuggling syndicates: the state will not stand idle. The collaboration among these four Regional Police forces underscores that any threat to Papua’s security will be met with decisive and strategic action.
The people of Papua now look forward to continued efforts by law enforcement to ensure their homeland remains safe, free from armed conflicts, and secure for future generations.