Mulia, Central Papua — Tension gripped the Central Market area in Mulia City, Puncak Jaya Regency, on Saturday night (12 July 2025) at around 19:29 WIT, following the sound of gunfire that killed a civilian.
The victim was identified as Edi Hermanto (39), originally from Probolinggo, East Java, and residing in Pagaleme Village, Pagaleme District, Puncak Jaya Regency. The victim, who worked as a self-employed trader, was found dead with a gunshot wound to his left temple that exited through the back of his head.
Based on initial information, at around 19:05 WIT, the victim was enjoying coffee inside his house when two unknown perpetrators (OTK) arrived and knocked on the window. As the victim opened it, one of the attackers immediately shot him at close range. After the shooting, both perpetrators fled the scene on a motorcycle.
Joint personnel from Puncak Jaya Police and the Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 Task Force quickly moved to the scene to conduct a crime scene investigation and secure the area.
Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2025, Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., in his statement, said that this incident is strongly suspected to be linked to the activities of the armed criminal group (KKB) that has long been active in Mulia City.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence against civilians. We are conducting an intensive investigation, and there are strong indications that the KKB group led by Paku Wanimbo is behind this incident. We will continue to hunt down the perpetrators until they are captured and prosecuted according to the law,” emphasized Brigadier General of Police Faizal.
According to information obtained, the Paku Wanimbo KKB group is known to be operating alongside Oni Mamberamo and Ombak Enumbi, who have shown suspicious activity in the Pasar Baru area and its surroundings. This group is also known to possess firearms and has carried out similar attacks in the past.
Meanwhile, Head of Public Relation of Operation Peace Cartenz 2025, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., urged the public to remain alert and not be easily provoked by criminal acts committed by armed groups.
“We urge all members of the public to remain calm yet vigilant. If you see any suspicious activity in your surroundings, immediately report it to the security forces. We will continue to be present and work hard to maintain security in Puncak Jaya,” said Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf.
The Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a sense of security for the people of Central Papua, especially in vulnerable areas like Puncak Jaya, by intensifying patrols and sustained law enforcement operations.
