Nabire, C Papua (ANTARA) - Indonesian security forces have arrested a 32-year-old man, PW, wanted in connection with the 2021 arson of a PT Unggul camp in Puncak District, Central Papua, the Damai Cartenz task force said.
PW was arrested at his hideout in Gome Subdistrict, Puncak, at 10:45 a.m. local time on October 19, Yusuf Sutejo, head of the task force's public information unit, said in a written statement on Monday.
PW is suspected of belonging to Kodap XVIII, an armed criminal group (KKB) led by Numbuk Telenggen that operates in Puncak district, Yusuf said.
Police seized several items during the arrest, including an axe, a machete and a mobile phone.
PW was taken to Puncak Police headquarters for questioning. Investigators are examining his alleged role in the arson and possible links to other crimes in the district.
The arrest followed an investigation into police report No. LP/05/II/2021/Papua/Res Puncak, dated February 13, 2021, Yusuf said.
Investigators had previously arrested three other suspects, AT, also known as K, on February 18, 2024; JW, also known as LW, on May 19, 2024; and YW, also known as SM, on June 10, 2025.
The arson caused no deaths but damaged company assets, including two excavators, a wheel loader, a track loader, a Bomag machine, a tractor, three trucks and two light vehicles.
An employee dormitory, a diesel storage warehouse and a generator warehouse were also reported burned to the ground, Yusuf said.
PW is suspected of violating Article 308(1) of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of nine years.
His criminal liability will be determined based on the investigation's findings and the legal process.
Damai Cartenz 2026 Operations Chief Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani said the case must be handled consistently, transparently and in accordance with the law, while respecting human rights.
He stressed the need for coordination between the task force and regional police units to ensure the case is handled within their respective authorities and under established procedures.
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Translator: Ali NI, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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