The Cartenz Peace Operation task force in Mimika apprehended Epson Nirigi, a known member of an armed criminal group, who allegedly received Rp 30 million from a former Kenyam district head to procure munitions for the armed group.
ersonnel from the Cartenz Peace Operation task force arrested on Tuesday Epson Nirigi, a member of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) armed group, for supplying munitions, in Mimika regency, Central Papua.
Task force chief Sr. Comr. Faizal Ramadhani reported that Epson was apprehended while attending a general election vote tabulation at the Lavela Hotel in Mimika and is currently being held for further investigation at the Cartenz Peace Operation post in Mimika.
Epson is known to be a member of a separatist group led by Egianus Kogoya, Faizal said, as quoted by cnnindonesia.com news portal.
Task force chief spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Bayu Suseno said Epson had previously received Rp 30 million (US$1,920) from Musianus Mijile to buy munitions.
Musianis is a former district head in Kenyam district, Nduga regency, Papua Highlands province.
"Epson Nirigi was contacted by the [then] Kenyam district head to receive Rp 30 million as a payment for procuring munitions for Egianus Kogoya," Bayu said on Wednesday, as quoted by the detik.com news portal.
Bayu said Epson had been tasked with supplying munitions, had been repeatedly involved in criminal activities and had been on the wanted list of the Nduga Police since 2023.
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