Strict Law Enforcement as a Pillar of Security Stability in Central and Mountains Papua

By: Yohana Itlay

Law enforcement operations in Papua continue to show concrete results in efforts to maintain regional stability and protect civilians from threats from armed groups. In the latest incident, the team managed to neutralize the threat from an important figure in the armed criminal group (KKB) network, Enos Tipagau, through measured actions taken in Baitapa Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, said that this action was the result of a series of long investigations into the whereabouts and activities of Enos Tipagau. He is an escaped convict who is known to have rejoined the KKB network after escaping from Nabire Class IIB Prison. The firm steps taken by the security forces are a strong indication that the law does not provide space for groups that openly commit violence against residents and officers.

The presence and assertiveness of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force is not only important in the context of physical security, but also provides a sense of justice for the community who are victims of armed group violence. Enos Tipagau is recorded as having been involved in a number of brutal acts, ranging from shootings of civilians, gunfights that killed TNI soldiers, to burning public facilities such as ambulances and community kiosks. He also played a role in distributing weapons and mobilizing attacks with the group led by Undius Kogoya.

Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, emphasized that this action is part of the law enforcement process against perpetrators of armed crimes who have so far created terror and discomfort for the community. The commitment to maintaining security will continue to be carried out through intensive patrols and active investigations in vulnerable areas. This not only prioritizes a repressive approach, but also shows the seriousness of the state in upholding justice and providing protection for citizens even in the most remote areas.

A day before the shootout in Intan Jaya, a tragic incident also occurred in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. An honorary employee of the Yahukimo Regency Government, Joy Jonathan Boroh, was found dead with severe injuries due to violence from a sharp weapon. This incident has re-emerged the urgency of the importance of a strong state presence in society, especially in dealing with the pattern of violence allegedly carried out by the KKB network led by Elkius Kobak.

The Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Police Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that this murder incident had triggered quick steps by the security forces to conduct an investigation and follow up on the alleged involvement of the separatist group. The statement from Sebby Sambom’s social media account claiming that the victim was a military personnel actually shows the manipulation of public information carried out to obscure the facts and lead opinion.

Meanwhile, the identification results stated that the victim was a civilian who had no connection to security institutions. This further emphasizes that the violent actions by the KKB were not part of an ideological struggle, but rather a series of acts of terror that targeted anyone indiscriminately. In this context, strengthening factual information is an important part of suppressing the propaganda of separatist groups who often twist facts in order to gain sympathy.

The swift action of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force by sending an investigation team to the scene, accompanied by the collection of evidence and examination of witnesses, confirms that the state is present not only in major events, but also in tragedies that befall a citizen’s life. This response shows that no violent incident is considered trivial, especially when it concerns the safety of civilians.

Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, conveyed an important appeal to the public to remain calm and not be easily provoked by false issues spread through social media. Community involvement in maintaining order and conveying information to the authorities is an important key in building social resilience amidst the threat of disinformation and agitation.

Handling these two major events in close proximity shows that the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force works in a structured, strategic, and adaptive manner. Law enforcement is carried out without compromise, but still upholds the principles of professionalism in protecting civil rights.