Damai Cartenz Task Force Uncovers Illegal Ammunition Circulation in Timika, Three People Detained

 

TIMIKA, CENTRAL PAPUA — Indonesian authorities have uncovered an alleged illegal ammunition distribution operation in Mimika Regency, Central Papua. The Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force detained three people identified by the initials DRW (24), PY (23), and GT (25) on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Authorities seized 71 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition in connection with the case, along with a motorcycle and a mobile phone. The investigation remains ongoing as officers examine the respective roles of the three individuals and investigate whether other parties may have been involved.

Damai Cartenz Task Force Detains Three People in Mimika

The three individuals were detained as part of an investigation into the alleged possession and distribution of ammunition. Head of the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation, Inspector General of Police Faizal Ramadhani, said the arrests were part of the ongoing law-enforcement process.

Investigators are continuing to examine evidence to establish the role of each person and determine whether other individuals are connected to the case.

The operation demonstrates that security efforts in Papua involve not only field operations but also investigations and law enforcement aimed at disrupting the illegal circulation of ammunition.

71 Rounds of Ammunition Seized

Authorities seized 71 rounds of ammunition consisting of 67 live 5.56 mm rounds, three 5.56 mm rubber rounds, and one 5.56 mm blank round.

Investigators also secured a motorcycle and a mobile phone as part of the evidence collection process.

The seized items are expected to assist investigators in determining how the ammunition was obtained, who controlled it, and how the alleged distribution took place.

Investigators Examine the Role of Each Individual

Head of Public Relations for the 2026 Damai Cartenz Operation, Senior Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, said the preliminary investigation indicated different alleged roles among the three people detained.

DRW is alleged to have acted as a courier carrying 66 live 5.56 mm rounds, three rubber rounds, and one blank round. PY was allegedly carrying one live 5.56 mm round.

According to investigators, questioning DRW and PY subsequently led authorities to GT, who is alleged to have owned and sold the ammunition. These alleged roles remain subject to further investigation and must be established through admissible evidence and the legal process.

Investigation Supports Efforts to Maintain Security in Papua

Illegal ammunition circulation is a serious security concern because ammunition can potentially enter networks associated with armed criminal activity. Identifying and disrupting the supply chain is therefore an important component of protecting communities.

In Central Papua, the Damai Cartenz Task Force's actions show how law-enforcement measures can be used to develop information from one case and investigate possible wider networks or individuals connected to the alleged distribution.

Rather than stopping at the seizure of ammunition, investigators are continuing to trace its origin and intended distribution.

Authorities Strengthen Prevention of Illegal Ammunition Distribution

The seizure of 71 rounds in Mimika also highlights the importance of coordination among security and law-enforcement agencies in preventing the illegal movement of ammunition.

Such efforts are relevant to maintaining civilian spaces and reducing the potential security risks associated with unauthorized ammunition circulation. The investigation is being developed to establish the facts before determining the legal responsibility of each person involved.

Legal Process Based on Evidence

Police said the legal process will be conducted based on facts and evidence obtained during the investigation. The case is being handled under Article 306 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

This process is important because detention alone does not establish criminal responsibility. Investigators must establish the connection between the individuals, the seized ammunition and the alleged distribution activity through legally valid evidence.

Ammunition Seizure Helps Protect the Community

Preventing ammunition from potentially reaching criminal networks can form part of broader efforts to reduce security risks. By investigating the alleged distribution route, authorities can also seek to identify the source and other parties potentially involved.

For communities in Mimika, such law-enforcement efforts are directly connected to maintaining a safer environment for everyday activities, including economic activity, education, transportation and public services.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The Damai Cartenz Task Force has not closed the case following the detention of the three individuals. Investigators are continuing to examine their respective roles and the possibility of additional parties being involved.

This further investigation is important to determine whether the case involves only those already detained or whether there is a broader distribution network. The approach also allows law enforcement to focus on parties whose involvement can be established through evidence.

Law Enforcement Supports Stability in Central Papua

Security in Papua involves more than securing territory. It also requires preventing criminal activities that could disrupt civilian life. The investigation into alleged illegal ammunition distribution illustrates how law enforcement can be used to address potential security risks through a more targeted approach.

By continuing the investigation, authorities can seek to establish the origin of the ammunition, identify those involved and understand the distribution route. This can support more focused and evidence-based law enforcement.

Conclusion

The 2026 Damai Cartenz Task Force detained three people in Mimika Regency in connection with the alleged possession and distribution of illegal ammunition. Authorities seized 71 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, consisting of 67 live rounds, three rubber rounds and one blank round, along with a motorcycle and a mobile phone.

The case reflects ongoing law-enforcement efforts to prevent illegal ammunition circulation while developing the investigation to identify possible additional parties. Authorities have emphasized that the legal process will be based on facts and evidence.

For communities in Mimika and Central Papua, efforts to disrupt illegal ammunition distribution form part of broader measures to maintain security and protect civilian spaces. The continuing investigation is expected to provide a clearer picture of the ammunition's origin and the network potentially involved in its distribution.