TNI Continues Pursuit of Armed Group That Killed Aris Sanda in Papua

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have confirmed they are continuing to pursue the armed criminal group (KKB) suspected of shooting Aris Sanda, a driver on the Wamena-Nduga route in Papua Highlands.

"Yes, the operations are ongoing. Strengthening community security as well as pursuing the perpetrators," said TNI Chief of Public Information Center Major General Muhammad Nas when met at Silang Monas Field, Jakarta, on Saturday (19/9/2026).

Muhammad Nas emphasized that the TNI remains committed to carrying out its national defense duties and securing Indonesia's territory.

According to Muhammad Nas, the TNI will execute every order in the course of its duties.

"The TNI is always committed to national defense tasks, committed to securing every inch of our land. Nobody should attempt to separate from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia; that is unacceptable," Nas stated.

"Whatever the orders, we carry them out. The TNI is always ready to be at the forefront," he added.

It was reported that Aris Sanda, a driver for the Wamena-Nduga route in Papua Highlands, was killed after being shot by the KKB on Tuesday (15/9/2026).

A native of Toraja, often called Bapak Tasya, Aris was initially reported to have been taken hostage by the armed group while passing a road section near Lake Habema, Jayawijaya Regency.

The following day, Wednesday (16/9/2026), the TNI Habema Task Force found Aris deceased inside a burned-out vehicle.

The incident began when Aris was driving the Wamena-Nduga route vehicle with several passengers on board.

When passing a section of road near Lake Habema, he was forced to stop after encountering the armed group suspected to be the OPM (Free Papua Movement).

The passengers, who are indigenous Papuans, then disembarked from the vehicle.

The group proceeded to inspect the driver and passengers.

After the inspection, the passengers were ordered to return to Wamena.

Meanwhile, Aris was taken hostage and led toward the Lake Habema area.

It was at this location that Aris was allegedly shot by the suspected perpetrators.