Manokwari, Jubi – West Papua Police director of General Criminal Investigation Sr. Comr. Novi Jaya revealed that his party was still searching for the group that attacked and killed Bintuni-Maybrat trans road workers.
“No one has been arrested yet,” said Novi Jaya on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
Novi said the police had distributed pictures of the perpetrators in various public places. As many as 12 people have been identified and are included in the wanted list.
“We hope that the public can help us inform the whereabouts of the perpetrators,” he said.
Novi said the police had limitations in pursuing the perpetrators because the perpetrators controlled the terrain of the area. “Therefore, we try to involve the community in helping us capture the perpetrators,” he said.
Previously, the shooting that killed four Bintuni-Maybrat trans road workers occurred on September 29, 2022. Four workers died in the incident, namely Abbas, Darmin, Armin and Yavet. In addition, the shooters who claimed to be part of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Sorong Raya also burned a number of trucks and heavy equipment in the location.
In the videos and images circulating on social media, the perpetrators not only displayed traditional and homemade weapons but also an organic weapon.
“It was an organic weapon that was seized from one of the mobile brigade members during the murder at the PT WGU timber company,” he said.
The murder of members of the West Papua Police mobile brigade occurred at PT Wana Galang Utama (WGU) in Bintuni Bay Regency, West Papua Province in April 2020. Other than killing the police, the perpetrator also seized their firearms.
Novi Jaya added that following the shooting incident, the road work continued. He said his party would ensure the security and safety of workers. (*)
