Rahmat Hidayat – Indonesian security forces have arrested a 52-year-old man suspected of acting as an intermediary in the supply of firearms and ammunition to an armed separatist network operating in Papua, authorities said, as investigators continue efforts to dismantle illegal weapons distribution channels in the region.
The suspect, identified by the initials YK, was apprehended by personnel from the 2026 Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force and the Sarmi District Police on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at a market in Indonesia's Sarmi Regency, Papua Province.
Authorities said the arrest followed intelligence reports regarding the suspect's whereabouts and forms part of a broader investigation into weapons suppliers allegedly supporting armed groups active in Indonesia's Papua Highlands region, including Yalimo and Yahukimo regencies.
"This case is part of the ongoing investigation into a network suspected of supplying firearms and ammunition to armed groups operating in Yalimo and Yahukimo," Cartenz Peace Operation spokesperson Yusuf Sutejo said on Sunday.
According to investigators, YK allegedly received a firearm and ammunition from another individual identified as B in early March 2026 at his residence in Indonesia's Jayapura City. Authorities believe the weapon was subsequently transferred through intermediaries and ultimately connected to a group led by Simeon Payage.
Following the arrest, police transported YK to Sarmi District Police headquarters for questioning regarding his alleged involvement in the weapons trafficking network.
Investigators also seized several items during the operation, including mobile phones, identity documents, bank cards, cash in multiple denominations, and other personal belongings that authorities said could assist the ongoing investigation.
Since launching the law enforcement operation in March 2026, Indonesian authorities have arrested multiple individuals believed to have played different roles within the alleged network, including financiers, buyers, ammunition suppliers, and transaction intermediaries.
According to data released by the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, at least 12 suspects have been identified in connection with the firearms and ammunition trafficking case as of early June 2026.
Authorities said they have seized 298 rounds of ammunition, four magazines for SS1 assault rifles, one homemade firearm, and six rusted firearm barrels believed to date back to World War II.
Cartenz Peace Operation commander Faizal Ramadhani said the arrest was part of a broader effort to disrupt illegal weapons supply chains that could be used in violent attacks and security disturbances across Papua.
"This disclosure is the result of intensive and continuous investigative work. We remain committed to taking firm action against all parties involved, whether as suppliers, intermediaries, financiers, or buyers of illegal firearms and ammunition," Faizal said.
He added that investigators would continue expanding the probe to identify additional individuals connected to the network and ensure all suspects are processed in accordance with Indonesian law.
Deputy Cartenz Peace Operation commander Adarma Sinaga said investigators are examining communication patterns, distribution routes, and possible links to other individuals suspected of participating in the trafficking operation.
Authorities also called on the public to report suspicious activities related to illegal firearms and ammunition circulation.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police emphasized that further arrests are possible as authorities seek to dismantle the broader network allegedly supporting armed groups in Papua.