6 TNI Soldiers Allegedly Involved In The Murder Of Four Civilians In The Papuan Timika

Pangdam XVII Cenderawasih Mayjen TNI Teguh Muji Angkasa. (ANTARA/HO/Dokumen Pribadi)

JAYAPURA - The Commander of the Cenderawasih Military Command XVII Major General Teguh Muji Angkasa admitted that six members of the TNI-AD who served in Brigif 20 Kostrad were suspected of being involved in the murder case that killed four civilians in Timika, Papua.

"Currently the six soldiers have been detained at Den POM Timika. Their motives and backgrounds are still being investigated", said TNI Major General Teguh Angkasa in Harapan Village, Jayapura Regency, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, August 29.

Teguh Angkasa said that the TNI Commander and Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) had ordered to conduct an examination and investigation into the incident.

The Military Region Command XVII Cenderawasih also cooperates with the Papuan Police to uncover the facts that occurred because the law must be enforced.

"Even the team has examined the six soldiers", explained Teguh Angkasa.

The six members of the Indonesian National Army who are suspected of being involved in the incident of killing the four civilians are Major Inf Hf, Captain Inf Dk, Praka Pr, Pratu Ras, Pratu Pc, and Pratu R.

Previously, the Direskrimum Polda Papua Commissioner Faizal Rahmadani explained that the police had arrested and detained three suspected perpetrators who were detained at the Mimika Police Station in connection with the murder of residents whose bodies were found separately in several places in Timika.

The three suspects who were arrested, namely APL alias Jeck, DU, and R, who were suspected of murder on August 22, were arrested at different locations.

Apart from the three perpetrators, there is also an alleged involvement of members of the Indonesian National Army whose case was handed over to the Cenderawasih POMDAM.

The murders occurred on August 22 at around 21.50 WIT in the SP 1 area, New Mimika District, against Arnold Lokbere, Irian Nirigi, Leman Nirigi, and another victim whose identity is not yet known, and his body was dumped around the river in Kampung Pigapu, Iwaka District.

The case was revealed on Friday, August 26 the body of Arnold Lokbere was found in a pathetic condition, and Saturday, August 27 another body was found which was also in a pathetic condition with an unknown identity.

"Two other bodies have not yet been found, and the motive for the sadistic murder has not yet been determined", said Commissioner Faizal.