Indonesian Soldier Killed in Clash with Armed Criminal Group in Papua

KOMPAS.com – An Indonesian military (TNI) member died in a gun battle with an armed criminal group in Titigi district in Intan Jaya regency, Papua on Friday, November 6.

“It is confirmed that a TNI personnel from Infantry Battalion (Yonif) Raider 400 has been killed in a gun battle,” State News Antara quoted Military Resort Command (Danrem) 173/PVB commander Brigadier General Iwan Setiawan as saying.

Another member sustained gunshot wounds from the encounter.

Also read: Armed Group Attacks Government Office, Public Market in Indonesia’s Papua

A spokesperson for the TNI’s Joint Defense Area Command (Kogabwilhan) III, Colonel Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa, said that the victim is identified as First Private (Pratu) Firdaus, who is part of the members of the Yonif Raider 400 Task Force. He was shot while on patrol.

“Currently, the victim is being evacuated,” Suriastawa said.

As of now, the chronology of the incident has yet to be explained. However, the two victims will be evacuated to Mimika regency on Saturday, November 7.

Also read: Two Indonesian Army Soldiers Die, 15 Injured in Road Accident in Papua

Suriastawa regretted the incident because the attacks by the armed criminal group have been taking place in Papua, targeting not only the TNI personnel but also civilians.

“It does not only happen to TNI or police personnel who are on duty, but civilians have also become the target of the armed criminal group,” he said.

(Writer: Dhias Suwandi | Editor: David Oliver Purba)

Source: https://regional.kompas.com/read/2020/11/06/19571911/satu-prajurit-tni-gugur-saat-kontak-senjata-dengan-kkb-di-intan-jaya-papua?page=all#page3.