Nugie Tangkepayung, Jayapura – Indonesian authorities have arrested a member of a separatist movement in Papua wanted for the alleged murder of civilians, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Alenus Tabuni, also known as Kobuter, was arrested on Sunday by a joint police-military security operation in Papua known as the Cartenz Task Force.

Law enforcement agencies allege that Alenus has been involved in at least 12 violent attacks on civilians in the Puncak regency.

Task Force spokesperson, Adjunct Chief Comr. Bayu Suseno, said the arrest followed a tip-off about Alenus' presence near a local medical facility.

"Service members immediately arrived at the scene and arrested Alenus, who was on our wanted list," Bayu said.

Alenus is a member of an armed criminal group – the government's term for separatist groups in the province – led by Nimbuk Telenggen, added Bayu.

"According to our data, Alenus was involved in at least 12 violent attacks in Puncak Regency, including the fatal shooting of a motorist on April 14, 2021, and the killing of a civilian named Habel Alengpen on June 3, 2021," Bayu added.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/papuan-rebel-arrested-for-alleged-murder-of-civilian