KKB In Papua Burns 2 BTS, People Choose Silence

JAKARTA - Police investigators are still investigating the burning of 2 base transceiver stations (BTS) by an armed criminal group (KKB).

The BTS that were burned were BTS 4 located in the Pingile hills, Omukiya District and BTS 5 located in the hills of the Muara area, Mabuggi District, Papua.

"From the reports received by the burning incident of the two BTS, it is known from the report submitted by the East Palapa Ring team which carried out a check using a helicopter last Saturday, January 9," said Chief of the Puncak Police, AKBP Decky Saragih when contacted.

The public reported BTS fires since Thursday, January 7 and caused disruption of 4G services. When asked about KKBs operating around Puncak Regency, Saragih admitted that quite a number of them were Legagak, Military Murib, Rambu Besar and Leni Mayu.

However, it is not certain which group burned BTS. "Members are still investigating the case because of difficulties in getting information because people prefer to keep their mouths shut," said AKBP Saragih.

General Manager Network Operation & Quality Management of Telkomsel Maluku & Papua, Adi Wibowo, in a written statement received by Antara, Monday, January 11, added that Telkomsel subscribers in the Ilaga area, Puncak Regency, can still enjoy 2G communication services.

The service uses IDR or satellite transmission. "We apologize for the inconvenience that happened to Telkomsel customers in the Ilaga area, Puncak Regency," said Adi Wibowo.