Papua Pegunungan. A joint operation conducted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police shot dead a member of an armed criminal group in the Kali Brasa area, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on Thursday.

Commissioner Faizal Ramadhani, the Head of Cartenz Peacekeeping Operation-2024, revealed that the perpetrator had been responsible for shooting a Wings Air flight IW 1646 in Yahukimo on the previous Saturday. There were no casualties in the shooting.

"We also secured two witnesses, namely MH (15) and BGE (15) at the scene of the operation; they are currently being questioned," said Faizal in a written statement received on Friday.

The gunfire exchange occurred when the military and police forces were sweeping the vicinity of Kali Brasa, identified as the location of the KKB when they shot at the Wings Air aircraft.

"During the gunfire exchange, one suspected KKB member was killed, and two witnesses were successfully apprehended. The identity of the deceased KKB member is still under investigation by authorities," said Faizal.

Spokesperson for the Cartenz Peace Operation AKBP Bayu Suseno mentioned that the two detained witnesses claimed to be students. However, various pieces of evidence were seized from them.

"Evidence seized from the two witnesses includes 74 rounds of 5.56 mm caliber ammunition, 2 SS1 magazines, Rp 3 million in cash, solar cells, a star-patterned machete, 2 smartphones, 1 handphone, 1 adjustable wrench, phone chargers, and 1 USB Type-C cable," explained Bayu.

Previously, Indonesian authorities arrested a member of a separatist movement in Papua wanted for the alleged murder of civilians.

Alenus Tabuni, also known as Kobuter, was arrested on Sunday by known as the Cartenz Task Force. Law enforcement agencies allege that Alenus has been involved in at least 12 violent attacks on civilians in the Puncak regency.