Habaema Operations Commander: Action Against OPM in Accordance with Legal Procedures

Koops Habaema secured 24 rounds from an armed group in Lanny Jaya Regency (ANTARA/HO-Koops Habaema personal document)

JAYAPURA - The Habaema Operations Command (Koops) emphasized that firm action against the armed group, the Free Papua Movement (OPM), will be taken in accordance with applicable legal procedures.

"Firm action against armed groups will be taken in accordance with legal procedures and only against those who resist or threaten the safety of the public or security forces," said Koops Habaema Commander Major General Lucky Avianto in an official statement in Jayapura, Papua, as reported by Antara on Thursday, August 7.

According to Lucky, the security of the Papuan people is a top priority. Therefore, any threat to stability and public safety will be dealt with firmly to maintain peace and the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

On Tuesday, August 5, Koops Habaema conducted an ambush against a key OPM figure, Mayer Wenda, also known as Kuloi Wonda, who serves as Deputy Commander of Kodap XII/Lanny Jaya. The ambush occurred at around 4:30 p.m. WIT in Mukoni Village, Mukoni District, Lanny Jaya Regency.

Mayer Wenda is reportedly one of the most wanted suspects by security forces. He is listed in Police Report Number: LP/05/VII/2014/Papua/Lanny Jaya dated July 28, 2014, and on the Papua Regional Police's wanted list (DPO) through letter Number: DPO/47/VIII/2016/Ditreskrimum dated August 9, 2016.

During the arrest, Mayer Wenda and his accomplices resisted armed resistance, prompting officers to take firm and measured action. In the incident, Mayer Wenda died at the scene, along with another person believed to be his younger brother, Dani Wenda.

"Both bodies were then taken to Wamena Regional Hospital for further processing, and coordination with relevant authorities has been established," said Lucky.

During the operation, officers secured several pieces of evidence, including a revolver with 24 rounds of ammunition, two ID cards in the names of Dani Wenda and Pemina Wenda, a Vivo mobile phone, an Oppo phone, Rp 65,000 in cash, and a noken bag.

Major General Lucky stated that this success demonstrates Koops Habaema's commitment to creating a sense of security in Papua, especially in the lead-up to the 80th anniversary of Indonesian Independence.

For information, Mayer Wenda has a long track record of armed criminal activity. He is suspected of involvement in premeditated murder, violent theft, and the arson of the Pirime Police Station in Lanny Jaya Regency on November 27, 2012.

He was also involved in the interception of a National Police patrol on the Indawa-Wamena Road, Nambume Village, Indawa District, Lanny Jaya Regency on July 28, 2014.

After a brief absence, Mayer returned to strengthen the armed wing of the OPM, assuming a strategic role as Deputy Commander of Kodap XII/Lanny Jaya.