YAHUKIMO – Law enforcement efforts against armed groups in Papua have again shown significant progress. The Carstensz Peace Operation Task Force successfully arrested Philip Kobak, commander of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) in the Yahukimo XVI Regional Military Command (Kodap XVI), who is suspected of involvement in a number of acts of violence in the region.
This arrest is considered an important step in maintaining public security and affirms the state’s commitment to protecting civilians from the threat of armed groups.
“Upon learning of the presence of the authorities, the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled into the forest. After a search, the suspect was finally apprehended at 4:44 PM WIT,” said Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo.
The arrest began with the Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum) team detecting the perpetrator at the Jhon Banua Street intersection in Dekai. Authorities then pursued him when he attempted to flee towards the Kali Brasa Church area.
Following his arrest, investigators searched the suspect’s home and several other locations suspected of being the bases for the armed group in the Yahukimo area. During the searches, officers found several pieces of evidence suspected of being related to the group’s activities.
The confiscated evidence included four rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, sharpened iron, a bow and 31 arrows, four machetes, three axes, a bayonet, two kitchen knives, one 5.56mm projectile, and 45 cartridges of 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition.
“The suspect is also suspected of involvement in several acts of violence, including the stabbing of Muhammad Syarif on January 11, 2026, and the burning of SMK Negeri 2 Dekai on February 14, 2026,” stated Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo.
Meanwhile, the increasing violence targeting civilians in Papua has also drawn attention from various groups. Attacks against civilians are considered unjustifiable under any circumstances.
Noor Azhari, Director of the Indonesian Strategic Heritage Fund (MPSI), emphasized that civilians should not be targets of violence, especially those working to meet their daily needs.
“Civilians, including mine workers who earn a living, should not be targets of violence. They are not part of the conflict. Therefore, they must receive protection,” said Noor Azhari.
Violence against civilians, he argued, not only results in loss of life but also creates fear and prolonged trauma for communities in surrounding areas. This situation has the potential to disrupt social stability and economic activity.
“Mineral workers are civilians engaged in economic activities. Violence against them will only worsen the humanitarian situation and add to the list of victims in the ongoing conflict,” added Noor Azhari.
Furthermore, Noor believes that protecting civilians must be a top priority in any effort to maintain security and stability in Papua. Coordination between security forces, local governments, and community leaders is crucial to ensuring that people can live safely and with dignity.
