Deputy Commander of TPNPB-OPM Kodap 35 Bintang Timur Arrested by TNI While Attempting to Buy Firearms
JAYAPURA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian military forces have captured Abdon Kisamdu, identified as the Deputy Commander (Wadanyon) of the TPNPB-OPM Kodap 35 Bintang Timur, at Nop Goliat Dekai Airport in Yahukimo, Papua Highlands, on Saturday (19/9/2026).
The arrest was carried out by personnel from Yon 462 Pasgat and Satgas Mandala Koops TNI Habema, operating under the Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III.
Kogabwilhan III Commander Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto stated that Abdon Kisamdu was apprehended immediately after disembarking from a Trigana Air Boeing 737-500 flight PK-YSC, which landed at Nop Goliat Dekai Airport at 14:59 WIT.
Prior to the arrest of Abdon Kisamdu, who has long been listed on the Indonesian National Policeβs wanted list (DPO), military personnel secured all access points in and out of Nop Goliat Dekai Airport.
"Moments after he descended from the aircraft, TNI personnel immediately arrested and secured Abdon Kisamdu in one of the isolation rooms at Nop Goliat Dekai Airport, Yahukimo," Lieutenant General Lucky said in a statement on Saturday.
According to Lieutenant General Lucky, during interrogation, Abdon Kisamdu admitted that his purpose for coming to Dekai was to carry out a transaction to purchase several firearms from an individual in Kali Seng, Yahukimo, Papua Highlands.
"He confessed that he intended to acquire firearms in bulk for his group," Lucky added.
This was further corroborated by conversations found on a mobile device belonging to Abdon Kisamdu, recovered by TNI personnel.
"It is unimaginable if he had succeeded in completing the firearm purchase, considering that TPNPB-OPM Kodap 35 Bintang Timur has been recorded conducting a series of violent acts and criminal activities in the Pegunungan Bintang Regency area, Papua Highlands Province," he stressed.
Moreover, Lieutenant General Lucky noted that the leader of TPNPB-OPM Kodap 35 Bintang Timur, Ananias Ati Mimin, is believed to have a close relationship and aligned ideology with Commander of Kodap III Ndugama TPNPB-OPM, Egianus Kogoya, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind the killing of travel van driver Aris Sanda on the Trans Wamena-Nduga Road, as well as other human rights violations.
Following his capture, Abdon Kisamdu is planned to be handed over to the local police station to undergo legal proceedings.
"We plan to hand over the individual (Abdon Kisamdu) to the local police so that legal processes can be immediately carried out," he said.
Lucky also stated that the TNI and police will continue pursuing members of TPNPB-OPM suspected of involvement in various criminal acts in Papua.
He affirmed that TNI personnel under Kogabwilhan III command will act professionally, within existing regulations, and uphold law and human rights.
Lucky added that decisive and measured actions will be taken if personnel face urgent situations that require them.
