KKB Papua Shoots 92 People, Total 15 TNI/Police Members Fall

Papuan Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri. (AMONG)

PAPUA - The Papuan Police noted that throughout 2021 armed criminal groups (KKB) had shot 92 people. A total of 44 people were reported to have died.

"It is true that out of the 92 shooting cases that occurred, 44 people died, 15 of them were members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the National Police", said Papua Police Chief, Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri, in a year-end statement in Jayapura, Antara, Thursday, December 23.

Fakhiri admitted, shooting cases involving KKB had indeed increased compared to 2020 with 49 shooting cases. The cases involving the KKB occurred at seven police stations, namely Mimika Police, Intan Jaya, Puncak, Yahukimo, Bintang Mountains, Nduga, and Keerom Police.

From the available data, it was revealed that during that period 18 civilians died and 11 KKB were reported dead. In the future, said Fakhiri, members have been ordered not to pursue them for various reasons.

"If members give chase, it is likely to cause casualties and weapons so that they strengthen their weapons (KKB)", explained Fakhiri.

This two-star general hopes that in the future the shootings carried out by the KKB will reduce or even stop happening until Papua is truly a land of peace.

Moreover, later the police assigned to the area will be local native children so that they can make the area safe from KKB disturbances. Currently, there are 1,999 members of the National Police from the Noken NCO program funded by special autonomy funds.