One Soldier Died in Gunfights Between Indonesian Army and Armed Papuan Separatist Group

Suru-suru Military District Command, Yahukimo Regency, Papua was attacked by an armed criminal group on Saturday morning (20/11/2021). As many as two members of the Indonesian Armed Forces became casualties. One soldier has died and another one was injured.

As reported from Kompas, Saturday (20/11/2021), the 1715 Yahukimo Military District Command confirmed the incident. The commander of the headquarter, Lt. Col. Inf. Cristian Irreuw said the incident resulted in one soldier dying from gunshot wounds, namely Staff Sargent (Sertu) Ari Baskoro.

In addition, the incident that occurred at 06.00 local time also made the Commander of Suru-suru Military Sub-district Command (Danramil), Inf. Captain Arviandi injured.

Gunfight illustration. (Photo: Pixabay)

 Lt. Col. Inf. Irreuw also said that the two victims had been taken to the Dekai Health Center and was evacuated on Sunday (21/11/2021) to Jayapura.

"Members have been ordered to be on standby, including those at posts to anticipate the shooting by the KKB (Armed Crime Group)," said the Commander. 

Still from Kompas,  Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Christian Irreuw stated that the perpetrator of the attack was an armed criminal group led by Tendius Gwijangge.

According to the Commander Irreuew, the attack was deliberately carried out before the anniversary of Free Papua movement. According to Irreuw, the military has received information that the group will attack the Military District Commands and military posts. 

Thus, personnel are asked to increase patrols and vigilance. "The action is allegedly carried out before December 1, 2021, which is set as the anniversary of Free Papua," said  Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Christian Irreuw, as quoted from Antara, Sunday (21/11/2021).

Still from Antara, the gunfights lasted until 6 hours.The number of the attackers is quite a lot. However, the exact strength is still not known for sure.

Meanwhile, Staff Sgt. Ari Baskoro's body was then flown to Surabaya, then to his hometown in Kendal, Central Java. Furthermore, Captain Inf. Arviand is treated at RST Marthen Indey Jayapura.

According to Kompas, Staff Sargent Ari Baskoro will be buried at the family cemetery in the local village, Tuesday (11/22/2021). The funeral will be led by the Army Chief of Staff (KSAD), Dudung Abdurahman.