KKB Intan Jaya Member Melkias Matani Dies During Shooting Contact In Sugapa

Intan Jaya Armed Criminal Group burned down a resident's house in Sugapa, Intan Jaya, Central Papua, Tuesday (23/1/2024). BETWEEN/HO-Kogabwilhan III.

PAPUA - Head of Kogabwilhan III Colonel Czi Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa stated that a member of the Intan Jaya Armed Criminal Group (KKB), Melkias Matani, died in a shootout that occurred last Tuesday in Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua. "It is true that when the KKB tried to attack the Yonif 330/TD Task Force Post until a shootout caused a member to be shot dead," said Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa in a written statement, Antara, Tuesday, January 23. He explained that the gun battle occurred from 09.30 WIT to 10.11 WIT by KKB from the residential area. During the firefight, it was seen that KKB members fled towards the church while dragging their colleagues who were hit by gunfire. From the informants revealed that after learning that their members were killed, the War Commander of the Wabu Battalion, Maiseni, ordered to remove traces of the pursuit of TNI-Polri members by burning residents' houses. Suriastawa said that currently members of the TNI-Polri are increasing their vigilance to create security for people in the Sugapa area, Intan Jaya. "At this time, the security forces are increasing their preparedness, so that the action of burning public facilities is carried out by KKB," said Suriastawa. He said previously the KKB had attacked the Cartenz Peace Task Force Post in Bilogai Village, Sugapa District, Friday (19/1), which resulted in the death of Bripda Alfandi Steve Karamoy.

Furthermore, the KKB action again burned down the official house of a member of the Intan Jaya DPRD located in Mamba Village, on Saturday (20/1). "As a result, residents fled to the TNI Yonif 330/TD post to secure themselves and their families," said Czi Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa.