Abdon Kisamdu Arrested at Yahukimo Airport as Authorities Foil Planned Weapons Purchase

 

YAHUKIMO, PAPUA HIGHLANDS — Security forces arrested Abdon Kisamdu, identified by Indonesian authorities as the Deputy Commander of the TPNPB-OPM Battalion of Kodap 35 Bintang Timur, at Nop Goliat Dekai Airport in Yahukimo, Papua Highlands, on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The arrest was carried out by personnel from the Indonesian Air Force's 462nd Air Base Defense Battalion (Yon 462 Pasgat) and the Habema Joint Operations Command's Mandala Task Force after authorities received information about Abdon's presence at the airport. Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, Commander of Joint Regional Defense Command III, said Abdon had previously been listed as a wanted person by the Indonesian National Police Headquarters.

The operation highlights the role of security personnel in monitoring and responding to individuals sought in connection with security cases while maintaining security at civilian transportation facilities.

Arrested Shortly After Leaving the Aircraft

According to the military's account, security personnel first secured access points at Nop Goliat Dekai Airport after receiving information about Abdon's whereabouts.

Abdon was reportedly aboard Trigana Air's PK-YSC Boeing 737-500, which was scheduled to land at approximately 2:59 p.m. local time.

Shortly after leaving the aircraft, he was arrested and taken to a room inside the airport for further examination.

The operation demonstrates the importance of coordination and preparedness in maintaining security in areas affected by armed violence.

Planned Weapons Purchase Halted

Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto said Abdon told authorities that he had traveled to Yahukimo to purchase several firearms for his group.

According to the authorities' account, the transaction was planned to take place in the Kali Seng area of Yahukimo.

Security personnel also reportedly found conversations on Abdon's mobile phone relating to the planned weapons transaction.

The information is now part of the ongoing examination and legal process to establish the circumstances of the planned transaction and identify any other parties involved.

Authorities Act to Prevent Illegal Weapons Circulation

The arrest forms part of broader efforts by Indonesian security authorities to investigate illegal weapons and ammunition networks that may supply armed groups in Papua.

Preventing the circulation of illegal firearms is significant for civilian safety because weapons obtained outside legal channels can increase the risk of armed violence.

The Yahukimo operation therefore represents not only a law-enforcement action but also a preventive effort aimed at stopping a potential weapons transaction before it takes place.

Government and Security Forces Focus on Civilian Protection

Maintaining public security remains an important part of the government's response to armed violence in Papua.

Security operations include intelligence gathering, protection of public facilities and law enforcement against individuals involved in security-related crimes.

In the Abdon Kisamdu case, the arrest allows authorities to conduct further examination of his activities and investigate possible links to the reported weapons transaction.

Such measures are also relevant to protecting civilian mobility and ensuring that essential transportation services can continue operating in Papua Highlands.

Airport Security Maintained During the Arrest

Abdon was secured after leaving the aircraft and was subsequently taken for further questioning.

According to the reported account, security personnel secured access around the airport before carrying out the arrest. The operation was directed at the identified target while maintaining control of the surrounding area.

Maintaining security at airports is particularly important in Papua Highlands, where air transportation plays a major role in connecting remote communities.

Prevention as Part of Maintaining Security

The significance of the operation extends beyond the arrest itself.

Preventing firearms from entering the hands of armed groups can reduce potential risks to civilians and security personnel. Investigating the individuals involved in weapons procurement can also help authorities identify broader networks involved in illegal arms trafficking.

For communities in conflict-affected areas, these preventive measures are closely connected to efforts to maintain safe transportation routes, public services and economic activity.

Law Enforcement Remains the Next Step

Following the arrest, the next stage is the legal examination of Abdon Kisamdu and the evidence obtained by authorities.

Any criminal responsibility and the involvement of other individuals must be established through evidence and the applicable legal process.

This approach is important to ensure that security enforcement remains accountable while addressing threats associated with illegal weapons circulation.

Conclusion

The arrest of Abdon Kisamdu at Nop Goliat Dekai Airport highlights the Indonesian authorities' efforts to prevent illegal weapons transactions and maintain public security in Papua Highlands.

According to the military's statement, Abdon said he had traveled to Yahukimo to purchase firearms for his group, while authorities reportedly found conversations related to the planned transaction on his mobile phone.

The arrest followed the detection of his presence at the airport and the securing of access points around the facility.

For local communities, preventing illegal firearms from reaching armed groups is an important part of reducing the risk of violence.

The Indonesian government, together with the military, police and other law-enforcement authorities, continues to address security challenges in Papua through law enforcement, protection of public facilities and measures aimed at safeguarding civilians.