Denies KKB Attacks TNI In Bintuni West Papua, Kodam: Forms Of Propaganda

JAKARTA - Military Regional Command XVIII/Kasuari confirmed that information on attacks by armed criminal groups (KKB) against TNI personnel in Mayerga Village, West Moskona District, Bintuni Bay, West Papua, is a form of propaganda.

Head of Information for Kodam XVIII/Kasuari Colonel Infantry Syawaludin Abuhasan said the information was spread by irresponsible persons with the aim of creating unrest in the local community.

"There is no attack from the KKB or OPM on TNI troops in Bintuni Bay. It is a hoax and propaganda so that people are restless," said Syawaludin in Manokwari, West Papua, Wednesday, January 15, which was confiscated by Antara.

Kapendam also denied the dissemination of false information about the deaths of three TNI personnel in an incident of armed contact with KKB in Bintuni Bay on January 13, 2025 at around 08.30 WIT.

The ranks of the TNI have increased educational and socialization activities so that people in Bintuni Bay are not easily provoked by this information, so that activities can run as usual.

"Alhamdulillah, until now the situation has remained safe and under control. Community activities are also running as usual. Once again I emphasize, it's a hoax," said Kapendam.

He said several TNI personnel who served at the Kampung Mayerga Post had heard the sound of organic weapons explosions, but this was not influenced by the shooting of both parties.

Kodam suspects that the explosion of organic weapons was deliberately carried out by certain groups which was then followed by a unilateral claim that there had been shootings with three TNI personnel.

"Our members heard gunfire, but it was not a shooting between the KKB and the TNI," said Kapendam.

He appealed to all levels of society in Teluk Bintuni Regency to continue to communicate with Babinsa and Bhabinkamtibmas personnel, if they received information about disturbances in regional security stability.

The TNI-Polri are committed to maintaining regional conduciveness to support the implementation of development programs, which is why coordination with local governments, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and youth leaders continues to be improved.

"Coordination across stakeholders is needed, so that public security and order are well maintained," said Syawaludin.