Panglima Kodap XV KKB Lamek Alipky Taplo Dies In TNI Operation In Kiwirok

KKB Lamek Tablo along with its members often attacked civilians and security forces in Kiwirok, Bintang Mountains Regency. (ANTARA)

JAYAPURA - Papua's Swasembada Operations Command confirmed that the Commander of Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel, Lamek Alipky Taplo, was killed along with three members of an armed criminal group (KKB) during an attack operation carried out on Sunday, October 19 in Kiwirok, Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua Mountains.

The operation is a follow-up to intelligence information showing the existence of KKB activities led by Lamek Taplo which often commits terror, extortion and intimidation of civil society.

"This step is part of efforts to restore security stability in the RI-PNG border area, especially in Kiwirok District," said Asintelter Koops Swasembada Papua Lt. Col. Inf. Renaldy H, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, October 21.

Renaldy said Lamek Alipky Taplo was one of the leaders of the KKB in the Bintang Mountains area.

From 2020 to 2025, his group has carried out various acts of violence and terror, including on March 2, 2020 attacking project workers on Jalan Trans Papua, on May 28, 2021, seizing weapons from the Oksamol Sub-Sector Pospol, on September 13, 2021, attacking the Pamtas 403/WP Task Force, burning the Kiwirok Health Center, and killing health workers, and on October 8, 2021, shooting the Smart Air plane.

Then in December 2021 the group burned schools and public facilities in Kiwirok and Serambakon, attacks on the National Police's National Police at various points from 2022-2025, shootings of helicopters carrying humanitarian aid in October 2025 and burning school buildings, churches and health centers in October 2025.

The attack left six fatalities and eight others seriously injured, and material losses in the form of seven public facilities damaged and burned, six heavy equipment units burned, and hampering public services and development in Kiwirok.

"The death of Lamek Alipky Taplo is a real action by the TNI in order to ensure the security of the people at the border in order to create a safe and peaceful Papua, Koops Swasembada will continue to carry out operations in a measured and sustainable manner for the creation of a safe and peaceful Papua," said Lt. Col. Inf. Renaldy H.