Pegunungan Bintang — The old building of SMP Negeri Kiwirok in Sopamikma Village, Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, was set on fire by an Armed Criminal Group (KKB) on Monday (October 13, 2025) at around 07:00 a.m. Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT). The incident was swiftly responded to by the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), who successfully pushed the attackers back following an exchange of fire near the site.
The incident was first detected through aerial monitoring by a drone operated by the Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz, which captured seven armed individuals setting fire to the old SMP Negeri Kiwirok building in Sopamikma Village. Upon receiving the report, the Task Force immediately coordinated with TNI units and deployed personnel to the location.
At approximately 07:20 WIT, as the joint security team arrived near Kiwirok Airstrip, a single gunshot was heard from the direction of the burning site. A brief gunfight ensued, during which the joint TNI–Police forces managed to drive the armed group back toward Kotobib Village.
Once the situation was declared secure, personnel from both the Task Force and TNI conducted a sweeping operation around the area and visited residents at the Polobakon Village Hall to deliver safety advisories and ensure the community remained calm.
Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2025, Brigadier General of Police Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., strongly condemned the act of arson.
“The attack on a school is an inhumane act of violence. Educational facilities are places where Papuan children learn and build their future. We will continue monitoring to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Chief Commissioner of Police Adarma Sinaga, S.I.K., M.Hum., the Deputy Head of Peace Operation Cartenz 2025, confirmed that security forces remain on full alert in Kiwirok District and surrounding areas.
“We can confirm that the situation is now under control. The TNI and Police will continue to take preventive measures and enforce the law against any group that threatens public safety,” he stated.
The Task Force Operation Peace Cartenz 2025, in coordination with TNI, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stability and protecting the people in the Pegunungan Bintang region.
