Jakarta — A deep sense of grief surrounds the Minangkabau migrant community following the tragic death of Joni Hendra, a native of Bayang, Pesisir Selatan Regency, West Sumatra. Joni fell victim to a deadly shooting by an armed criminal group (KKB) in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.
His body was successfully returned to Sumatra with assistance from the Minangkabau Family Association (IKM). IKM Chairman Andre Rosiade stated that the repatriation process was challenging, but it was carried out thanks to the solidarity and commitment of fellow Minang migrants.
“Alhamdulillah, the body of our brother Joni Hendra arrived at his family’s home in Merangin, Jambi, on Saturday (July 26, 2025). Initially, he was to be buried in his hometown of Bayang, Pesisir Selatan, but after a family discussion, it was decided to lay him to rest in Jambi,” said Andre in a statement to the media on Sunday (July 27).
According to Andre, IKM acted swiftly after receiving the report from Minang residents in Papua, particularly through the Papua Provincial IKM chapter. Zulhendri Sikumbang, the head of IKM Papua, coordinated the evacuation process of the body from Sugapa to Timika, with the support of local residents and authorities.
“There was a challenge when the scheduled flight from Sugapa to Timika was canceled. However, thanks to coordination between IKM Papua, local police, and support from Mr. Defrizal of Mimika Police, the body was finally flown out at 8:30 a.m. local time,” explained Andre, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the Gerindra Party faction in the Indonesian Parliament.
Upon arrival at Moses Kilangin Airport in Timika, the body was transported to the Timika Regional Hospital (RSUD), accompanied by IKM members and traffic police from Mimika Police. At the hospital, the body was cleansed, wrapped, and placed in a coffin, as the airline had confirmed a flight to Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
“This entire process was made possible thanks to the unity of Minang people in the region. We at IKM are deeply grateful for the support and compassion shown by residents in Papua, security personnel, and the broader IKM community across the country,” Andre said.
IKM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Minangkabau communities across Indonesia, particularly during times of crisis and loss. The incident involving Joni Hendra remains under investigation by law enforcement in Papua.
