KBB Burns School Buildings in Central Papua During the Commemoration of Indonesian Independence

JAKARTA - The armed criminal group (KKB) led by Titus Murib spread terror during the moment of celebrating the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day, Thursday, August 17, 2023. They set fire to the Ilaga 1 State High School library in Puncak Regency, Central Papua.

"The Ilaga N 1 High School Library building was burnt down as a result of the arson carried out by the KKB Group led by Titus Murib," said Head of Public Relations of the Papua Regional Police Kombes Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo in his statement, Friday, August 18.

According to reports received, the arson was said to have occurred at around 13.28 p.m. Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT). It started with the information received by the Yonko 468/Sarotama Kopasgat Task Force Personnel Pos 25 Aminggaru Airport.

With this report, the joint TNI-Polri team headed straight to the location. Then, sweeping immediately carried out upon arrival there.

However, the joint team was disturbed by gunshots coming from behind SMAN 1 Ilaga.

"Even though they fired back, the joint National Army (TNI)-National Police (Polri) security apparatus did not give chase because it was indicated that this was an inducement from the KKB group," said Benny.

It is suspected that the arson was part of the KKB's plan to disrupt security in Papua at the moment of the 78th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.

"This arson action is an attempt to disrupt security stability in the Puncak Regency area. Moreover, this action was carried out at the time of the commemoration of the Republic of Indonesia's anniversary," said Benny.