Army Soldiers Involved in Sadistic Killing of Local Papuans; Police Hunt 1 Suspect

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Papua Police to this day continues its hunt on a civilian who conspired with six National Army (TNI AD) soldiers who committed the heinous crime of killing and mutilating four civilians who lived at the Pigapu Village in the East Mimika District. 

So far, there are four civilians who have been named as suspects for their involvement in the killing, but police have only nabbed three of them.

“One suspect is still on the run,” said Papua Police director of general crime unit grand commissioner Faizal Ramadhani on Tuesday, August 30. 

Police announced that the number of victims has increased from what they thought were two people to what is now believed to be four people. Up to Tuesday, police have discovered three bodies and are searching for the fourth victim’s physical remains. 

The victims of the sadistic killing were first discovered on August 22 in the New Mimika District with the initial victims known to be Arnold Lokbere, Irian Nirigi, Leman Nirigi, and a fourth that is being identified. Following the incident, the Indonesian Army spokesperson brigadier general Tatang Subarna said the Mimika military base had arrested six soldiers involved in the killings. 

The TNI Army members arrested are major infantry HF, captain infantry DK, Praka Pr, Pratu Ras, Pratu Pc, and Pratu R.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO

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