Manokwari, Jubi – The West Papua Police confirmed there were 14 construction workers of the TransBintuni-Maybrat road allegedly shot by the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB).
Spokesperson of the West Papua Police Sr. Come. Adam Erwindi said on Friday night, September 30, 2022, that nine workers managed to save themselves in the shooting incident.
“Six people fled to the TNI post while three others parted in the old Majnik river towards Maght Village,” Adam said.
Meanwhile, four workers have died in the incident and one reportedly missing. The dead victims are Sitinjak, 25, a citizen of Sorong; Om Kumis, 55, who lived in Pinrang, South Sulawesi; Halim, 20, who lived in Sorong; and a woman named Reva, 28, also a citizen of Sorong.
Adam said the police had identified the perpetrators, “The chief has ordered us to arrest the perpetrators and held them responsible.”
The 14 workers were working on the Trans Bintuni-Maybrat road project under PT Doreri Makmur, including the Moskona-Maybrat road, which is funded by the West Papua Provincial Budget from the Public Works and Public Housing Office with a value of Rp 9.72 billion, as quoted from LPSE West Papua.
“At the scene, our team found two damaged heavy equipment with partially burned glass and three burnt trucks,” Adam further told Jubi via Whatsapp on Saturday.
Following the evacuation of victims, the joint security forces arrived at Teluk Bintuni Regional Hospital on Friday at 9 p.m. Papua time. Teluk Bintuni Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Junov Siregar said the evacuation went smoothly and all team members returned safely.
“Only one female victim is still being sought,” said Adam Erwindi. “Four victims died, two of whom were found burnt. The four victims also suffered many wounds from sharp weapons,” he added. (*)
