Jayapura, Jubi – On Monday, September 18, 2023, at around 2:30 p.m. Papua time, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) targeted one market and seven kiosks owned by residents in Serambakon District, Bintang Mountains Regency, Mountainous Papua Province.
The spokesperson of the Cartenz Peace Task Force, Adj. Sr. Comr. Bayu Suseno, conveyed this information through a WhatsApp message on Tuesday. According to Suseno, the TPNPB set fire to the market and kiosks following a firefight between the group and the joint patrol of the Cartenz Task Force and the Bintang Mountains Police.
Bayu clarified that the market was an asset of the Bintang Mountains Government, while the kiosks were owned by individuals from Buton, Southeast Sulawesi.
After the arson incident, at around 5 p.m on the same day, the TPNPB also shot two civilians, identified as Regina Bitdana (50) and Jonan Kalakmabin (35), while they were at their residence in Okpol Village.
“The two victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Oksibil Regional General Hospital. Regina Bitdana was shot above the left ankle, while Jonas Kalakmabin was hit on the left ankle,” Bayu stated.
Explaining the sequence of events, Bayu revealed that the shooting incident began when the two victims were at a mourning gathering in front of the Old Market on Mabilabol Street, Oksibil District, at around 4 p.m. Subsequently, at 4:45 p.m., as they returned home on Okpol Street and were in the kitchen preparing dinner, they heard gunshots and were hit.
Bayu emphasized that the Cartenz Peace Task Force would continue its efforts to pursue and bring the TPNPB group to justice for their actions in the Bintang Mountains region. (*)
