TNI Denies 2 Members Killed After KKB Shootout in Papua

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) denied having a firefight with an armed criminal group (KKB) in the Ilaga mountains, Papua, Friday (23/4) which resulted in two of its members being victims.

Kapendam Cendrawasih Lt. Col. Arm Reza Nur Patria emphasized that no gunfire occurred between members of the TNI and KKB in Ilaga, Puncak Regency.

"The information stating that 2 TNI members became victims as a result of firefighting is not true," Reza said to CNNIndonesia.com, Sunday (25/4).

TNI and Polri units located in Ilaga Puncak Regency are said to be active in carrying out security patrols to create a conducive situation in the area.

"Let's pray together, hopefully the situation in Puncak Regency will be more conducive so that community activities will return to normal," said Reza.

Previously, West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) spokesman Sebby Sambo claimed two TNI personnel were killed in the incident.

"During the armed contact, TNI members were two victims," ​​Sebby said in a written statement received by CNNIndonesia.com, Saturday (24/4).

Sebby said the two TNI soldiers who died were still in the shooting scene. He said that no other TNI personnel had yet evacuated the fallen TNI personnel.

Furthermore, Sebby said that the OPM, led by the Operations Commander of the TPNPB Lekagak Telenggen National Command, conducted a shootout with the TNI from 01.00 to 05.20 WIT.

"My troops are still on standby, one at each place," he said.

Based on records, there have been at least four shootings by KKB against civilians in the Beoga area since the beginning of April.

First, on Thursday (8/4), KKB allegedly shot dead an elementary school teacher named Oktavianus Rayo. The next day, they shot another junior high school teacher named Yonathan Randen in Beoga District.

After the incident, three school buildings were burned down in the area. In fact, the burning continued until it finally burned down the houses of members of the Puncak Regency DPRD.

A week later, on Wednesday (14/4), KKB shot another motorcycle taxi driver named Udin in Omikia District, Puncak Regency. Then, the next day they shot a high school student named Ali Mom in Ilaga.

The victims, said the police, were asked to buy betel nuts and cigarettes. After being escorted to Uloni's village, Ali Mom was instead shot and hacked to death.
KKB itself has claimed responsibility for a number of shootings. This was done because the victim was suspected of being a spy for the TNI-Polri apparatus.

SOURCE: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20210424185421-12-634298/tni-bantah-2-anggota-tewas-usai-baku-tembak-kkb-di-papua