Jayapura, Jubi – Police have identified two suspected perpetrators in the shooting that killed three civil servants in Jayawijaya, with both men already listed as wanted by authorities in connection with other cases.
The two suspects, identified by their initials PN and KT, are accused of involvement in the shooting that killed three employees of the Jayawijaya Regency Agriculture Department in Highland Papua on 9 September 2026.
The spokesperson for the 2026 Cartenz Peace Operation, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, said the two men were identified in footage from a video call circulating on social media.
Police compared the footage with information and physical descriptions already held by investigators.
“After comparing it with the data and descriptions we have, we can confirm that the two individuals are PN and KT, who are already on our wanted list,” Mr Sutejo said in a written statement on Saturday.
Police say PN and KT are members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), specifically its Ndugama-Derakma regional command led by Egianus Kogeya. Indonesian security authorities refer to the group as an armed criminal group.
Mr Sutejo said the two men were already wanted in connection with several alleged acts of violence in Highland Papua.
Police allege PN and KT were involved in a shooting during the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Jayawijaya on 8 August 2026, in which two civilians were injured.
They have also been linked by police to the kidnapping of Susi Air pilot Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens in Nduga Regency in February 2023. Captain Mehrtens was released in September 2024.
“Following this identification, we are continuing our efforts to locate and pursue the perpetrators,” Mr Sutejo said.
The shooting that killed the three civil servants occurred in Muliama District, Jayawijaya Regency.
The victims were travelling back to Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya Regency, with eight colleagues after inspecting a rice field development project and providing livestock extension services.
The three victims were identified as Alvonsius Albinus Mehan, 35, Alprida Rapi, 49, and Willi Mbuik, 24.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated the attackers were carrying two long-barrelled firearms and several machetes when they left the scene.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the shooting, including the motive and the possible involvement of other people.
Police are also investigating whether the attack was intended to disrupt public security and create fear in the community.
“Their target was to disrupt public order and create fear among the community. That is why we are continuing the search and investigation to determine everyone involved,” Mr Sutejo said.
The Cartenz Peace Operation has increased the number of personnel deployed in Wamena to maintain security and support efforts to locate PN, KT and others allegedly involved in the shooting.
Mr Sutejo said police would continue taking legal action against those responsible for threats, terror and violence against civilians, while maintaining that all operations would be carried out in accordance with legal procedures.
Meanwhile, the head of the 2026 Cartenz Peace Operation, Inspector General Faizal Ramadhani, said investigators were continuing to examine all information and evidence obtained during the investigation.
“Every piece of information we receive will be examined and followed up in accordance with legal procedures. We continue to identify those involved and ensure the law enforcement process is carried out professionally,” Mr Ramadhani said.
He said police would take firm and proportionate action in accordance with the law if officers encountered resistance during attempts to apprehend the suspects.
The bodies of the three victims have since been returned to their respective hometowns.
Alprida Rapi, the head of the Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Division, was returned to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi.
Alvonsius Albinus Mehan, a veterinarian, was returned to Sikka Regency in East Nusa Tenggara, while Willi Mbuik, a civil servant candidate, was returned to Rote Ndao Regency, also in East Nusa Tenggara. (*)
