Papua, Indonesia – Mathius Derek Fakhiri, a native of Papua, has officially risen to the rank of Commissioner General (Komjen), becoming the second three-star police general from the region.
Mathius’ illustrious career in law enforcement, particularly his role in maintaining peace and order in Papua, has been pivotal in his promotion to this esteemed rank.
As the Regional Police Chief of Papua, Mathius has demonstrated his expertise in managing complex security challenges in the province, often referred to as the “Land of Cendrawasih.”
One of his significant achievements includes the 2014 capture of the operational commander of the Free Papua Movement (TPN/OPM) in Puncak Regency. Additionally, Mathius successfully apprehended the high-ranking commander of the Paniai Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Nabire and resolved numerous cases involving attacks on police stations and officers.
Between April 2018 and February 2020, Mathius served as the Senior Policy Analyst for the Indonesian National Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and was appointed Deputy Chief of Operations II for the Special Task Force in Papua. During this tenure, he effectively tackled critical issues, including legal actions against KKB strongholds in Lanny Jaya District, Puncak Jaya led by Goliath Tabuni, and the Semmu KKB network in Mimika.
From September 2020 to February 2021, Mathius was appointed as the Deputy Police Chief of Papua and led Operation Nemangkawi, where he continued to enforce the law against armed groups in the region. His success in solving cases such as the theft of weapons from Denpom Nabire and addressing racial discrimination in 2019 against members of the West Papua National Committee (KNBP) further solidified his reputation.
Following his tenure as Deputy Police Chief, Mathius was promoted to Regional Police Chief of Papua in February 2021. In this role, he has maintained a strong focus on upholding security and public order in Papua. He has also been instrumental in enforcing legal actions against various KKB factions in Puncak Ilaga, Puncak Jaya, and Paniai.
Mathius has notably solved a high-profile case involving the mutilation murders of four Indigenous Papuans (OAP) with 11 suspects, as well as the murder of Maiklein Kurisi Doga, a prominent Papuan women’s activist.
His ability to secure the XX National Sports Week (PON XX) in 2021 from potential terrorist threats and ensure the safety of athletes, officials, and the public from the spread of COVID-19 has further cemented his standing as a formidable leader.
Beyond his focus on security, Mathius has played a crucial role in supporting government policies regarding the amendment of Papua’s Special Autonomy Law and the establishment of New Autonomous Regions (DOB) in the province.
With his exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication, Commissioner General Mathius D Fakhiri is seen as a pivotal figure in maintaining a stable and secure environment in Papua. His promotion is a testament to his invaluable service to his homeland.
