PAPUA, RAKYAT NEWS – Tensions have flared once again in the Indonesian hot-bed Papua following the tragic death of Police Brigadier (Briptu) Iqbal Anwar Arif, a member of the Cartenz Peace Operation (Operasi Damai Cartenz, ODC), who was shot during a routine patrol with fellow officers.

The incident, which highlights the persistent security challenges in the volatile region, occurred on January 17, 2025, in Elelim, Yalimo Regency, Papua.

According to Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, spokesperson for the Cartenz Peace Operation, the patrol team encountered a wooden barrier blocking their route.

As the team stopped to remove the obstruction, gunfire was suddenly unleashed from the cliffs above, striking Briptu Iqbal in the neck. His fellow officers quickly initiated emergency procedures to evacuate him to safety, but despite their efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Briptu Iqbal, a member of the ODC, was rushed to the Yalimo Health Center for medical treatment, but was declared dead shortly after arrival. Authorities have since placed all personnel on high alert, with investigations into the attack ongoing.

This shooting follows a string of violent incidents in the region, including a recent attack on January 8, 2025, that claimed the lives of five civilians. In response, joint patrols involving the ODC, the Yalimo Police, and the Indonesian Military (TNI) were conducted in the village of Hobakma, aiming to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents.

OPM Denies Involvement

In a statement issued on January 18, 2025, the leadership of the Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) denied any involvement in the shooting of Briptu Iqbal.

Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the OPM, confirmed the incident but clarified that the TPNPB-OPM was not responsible for the attack.

“While this event is true, it was not carried out under our command. The individuals responsible for this criminal act are Jeffrey Pagawak Bomanak and Askem Mabel,” Sambom stated.

He further explained that the attack was not sanctioned by the TPNPB leadership and emphasized that there was no declaration of war from their side.

Sambom condemned the action as a criminal act, asserting that Pagawak had ordered Mabel to carry out the attack, which resulted in the death of the police officer as well as other indigenous and non-indigenous victims. He reiterated that the TPNPB had no involvement and the attack was not part of any formal military operation.

The incident underscores the ongoing security risks faced by both security forces and civilians in Papua, a region fraught with armed conflict and political tensions. The death of Briptu Iqbal highlights the precarious nature of peacekeeping efforts in Papua, where military and police personnel are regularly confronted with violence as they work to maintain order.

Authorities have vowed to continue their investigation into the shooting, while efforts to stabilize the region remain a priority amidst the ongoing unrest. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

YouTube player