Riding Black Avanza Crossing Near The Papua New Guinea Border, 6 People Allegedly TPNPB/OPM Was Arrested By The TNI Task Force

The Indonesian Military Pamtas Task Force-PNG Infantry Battalion 131/Brs handed over six suspected TPNPB/OPM members (Photo: ANTARA)

PAPUA - TNI soldiers from the Indonesian Pamtas Task Force-PNG Infantry Battalion 131/Brs arrested six suspected TPNPB-OPM members and one Abepura resident during a raid at the Skofro Lama Post, East Arso District, Keerom Regency, Papua. The location of this raid is bordering Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The Commander of the RI-PNG Task Force (Dansatgas) Battalion 131/Brs Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Erfani said six suspected members of the TPNPB/OPM were arrested after the black Avanza four-wheeled vehicle with seven passengers was stopped during the raid.

When the vehicle was inspected, it was discovered that of the seven people, one of them was a resident of Abepura (as the driver) while the other six were suspected of being members of the TPNPB/OPM.

"Because the TPNPB-OPM identification card and documents as well as one cartridge of ammunition were found," said Desatgas Erfani in a statement quoted from Antara, Thursday, July 29.

"This incident often happens, therefore we (the Task Force) will continue to try to prevent violations of state border crossers, the entry and exit of illegal goods and narrow the space for TPNPB/OPM members to move by carrying out routine sweeps at every post in Indonesia. Keerom and Jayapura Regencies," explained Dansatgas.

After being questioned, the TNI Task Force handed over the seven residents along with evidence to the Keerom Police for further processing.