Intan Jaya — An armed shooting incident occurred at Bilorai Airport in Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, on Wednesday (23/7) at approximately 11:32 AM local time. The Armed Criminal Group (KKB) is suspected to be behind the attack. Joint security forces from the Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 Task Force, Intan Jaya Police, and the Indonesian Air Force’s Kopasgat were immediately deployed to anticipate further disturbances.
Four gunshots were fired from the direction of the old, unused airport terminal. At the time of the incident, Kopasgat personnel and Intan Jaya Police officers were securing the airport perimeter. No casualties or material damage were reported.
Security forces responded with counter-fire and pursued the suspects, but the two alleged KKB members managed to flee toward the Wabu River and escape into the forest. Both were reportedly carrying short firearms, suspected to be pistols.
Authorities strongly believe the shooting was an act of retaliation for the death of Enos Tipagau, a KKB leader, who was killed during a law enforcement operation by the Operation Peace Cartenz Task Force on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Baitapa Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya.
Beyond revenge, the attack is also suspected to be an attempt by the KKB to disrupt security stability ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17, 2025, in Intan Jaya Regency.
Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2025, accompanied by his deputy, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., confirmed the incident and assured that joint forces remain on high alert to maintain security.
“There were no casualties in this incident, but we remain vigilant and are taking preventive measures to ensure safety,” stated Brigadier General Faizal.
Meanwhile, Chief Commissioner of Police Yusuf Sutejo, S.I.K., M.T., Head of Public Relations for Operation Peace Cartenz, urged the public in Intan Jaya to stay calm, remain alert, and promptly report any suspicious activities to authorities.
“We call on the people of Intan Jaya to stay cautious and immediately report any suspicious behavior to security personnel to enable preventive measures and maintain public safety and order,” concluded Chief Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo.
