Papuan KKB Group That Actively Harasses, Police: Others Have Returned To Society

Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri / Antara

JAKARTA - The Papua Police Chief, Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri, stated that there were six armed criminal groups (KKB) who are currently still harassing civilians and security forces in several areas in Papua.

"The six KKB groups include the leaders of Lekagak Telenggen, Egianus Kogoya and Serbinus Waker," said Inspector General Fakhiri, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, May 5.

He admitted, apart from this group there are also other groups, but some of them have returned to the Republic of Indonesia and are carrying out community activities as usual.

"Praise be to many of the KKB members who have returned and mingled with the people in their villages," admitted Fakhiri.

He added that regional heads have a very important role in being able to approach the KKB humanely as representatives of the central government who are directly elected by the community.

Moreover, the district head has more emotional connections than the security forces so that he can approach these groups.

The regional government continues to put forward the effort to pull out KKB members until they reunite with the community, hoped Inspector General Fakhiri.

The Papua Police Chief admitted that the handling of the KKB would not change, namely as much as possible prioritizing a welfare approach before taking legal action.

However, if they commit a criminal act, they will be taken firmly but measuredly so that the impact of the action does not cause new problems because they do not want the prosecution to cause injury in the community.

"We will try to catch the KKB members alive, so that they can dig up information related to other networks, but if they do fight, they will be dealt with in a measured manner," said Inspector General Fakhiri.