TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Police and the Indonesian Army (TNI) have failed to arrest the Free Papua Organization (OPM) high-ranking official Maikel Merani, during a raid in Angkaisera Village, Yasin Island. Maikel and dozens of his men managed to escape to the jungle of Kiriyow Mountain.
"We ceased the pursuit. It is their territory," said Inspector General Franky Ronnie Sompie, spokesman of the Indonesian Police.
The raid was based on reports from local residents on the presence of an OPM base nearby. Ronny said that local residents began to raise concern each time OPM extort and threaten them. From the raid, the police managed to confiscate bullets, improvised weapons, army uniform, and motorcycle.
Maikel has been included in the wanted list by Yapen Police since October. Maikel was alleged for committing a series of murder and the incineration of Angkaisera Police headquarter. Ronny said that the police are having a difficult time in tracking Maikel whereabouts, claiming that they will not search the mountain because it is known to be the nest of OPM operatives.
ROBBY IRFANY
