Illegal Nabire Mine: 2 Senpi Found in Chinese WNA Contract

NABIRE - TNI soldiers from Korem 173/Praja Vira Braja (PVB) found two homemade firearms in a rented house occupied by seven Chinese foreign nationals (WNA) in Nabire Regency, Central Papua, which were suspected of being related to illegal mining activities.

The Head of the Intelligence Section of the 173/PVB Regional Command, Colonel Inf Budi Suradi, said that the findings were part of the TNI's support for the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH) in uncovering illegal mining practices in the KM 95 and KM 103 Unipo areas, Siriwo District.

"This discovery began with a follow-up investigation related to suspected illegal mining activities and to investigate the whereabouts of the Chinese foreign nationals suspected of being involved," said Budi, quoted by Antara, Thursday, May 14.

He explained that the search was carried out on Wednesday, May 13 at around 14.25 WIT at a rented house in Wadio, Bumi Wonorejo Village, Nabire District, which was left by the seven foreigners.

During the inspection, he said, the personnel found a suspicious cabinet on the lower floor with the door facing the wall.

"After being examined, an inorganic homemade weapon of the TNI-Polri was found with a combined model of AR-15, M16, and M4 using 5.56 mm caliber ammunition, one magazine, and three rounds of ammunition produced by Pindad in 2001," he said.

In addition, at 23.30 WIT, the police again found the second evidence in the form of a PCP type air rifle brand Predator which had been modified into a firearm with 4.5 mm ammunition and equipped with a telescope.

He added that all findings had been reported to the Commander of the PKH Task Force for further investigation.

According to him, based on the testimony of witnesses, the house was previously not inhabited and was only occupied by the seven foreigners, so it is suspected that the weapons are related to the residents.

"Our task is to help find evidence. Then the investigation process for ownership of weapons is handed over to the PKH Task Force," he said.

Budi also emphasized that Korem 173/PVB is committed to supporting the orderliness of illegal activities in the Central Papua forest area.

In addition, his party also explained that the installation of a cross at KM 95 Unipo and KM 103 was carried out as a sign of alleged criminal violations at the location of illegal mines, not to take land belonging to the community.

"We appeal to the public to remain calm and not be provoked. After the legal process is completed, the cross will be reopened," he said.