Police arrest suspect linked to Papua separatist group in officer's death

Indonesian police have arrested a man in Intan Jaya, Papua, suspected of ties to the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM). The suspect, identified only as PP, was apprehended in the Sugapa District and is currently under investigation by the Operation Damai Cartenz task force.

Authorities are probing PP's alleged connections to several incidents in the Intan Jaya region. A primary focus is the shooting at the Intan Jaya Task Force Tower Post on January 19, 2024, which resulted in the death of police officer Alvando Steve Karamoy. Investigators are also examining potential links to other events that occurred in 2026, according to a statement from Head of Public Relations for Operation Damai Cartenz, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo.

PP was arrested on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, around 2:00 PM WIT. The arrest was based on the development of an investigation stemming from a police report concerning the shooting of Alvando. Sutejo indicated that PP is suspected of violating articles within the new Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) related to murder and premeditated murder.

These potential charges carry severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. However, Sutejo emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and additional evidence is being collected to solidify the case. "The application of these articles is still in the process of proof based on valid evidence in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," he stated.