Travel Driver Killed by Armed Criminal Group, Parliament Member Urges Government to Strengthen Civilian Protection in Papua

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Member of the Indonesian Parliament's Commission XIII, Fauqi Hapidekso, urged the government to strengthen protection for civilians in Papua amid escalating armed violence that has claimed lives and led to hostage-taking of civilians.

“The safety of civilians must be a priority. We must not let those uninvolved in the conflict become victims. They have the right to live safely, work, travel, and carry on with their daily lives without fear,” Fauqi said in a statement quoted on Sunday (20/9/2026).

The National Awakening Party (PKB) politician emphasized that this issue is not merely about security but an urgent humanitarian concern.

He also called for the police and government to act swiftly with measured and carefully calculated rescue efforts to avoid further casualties.

Fauqi stressed the importance of transparent communication to the families of victims so they are not left in uncertainty.

The state is obliged to guarantee the right to life protection for every citizen without exception, including those living and earning a livelihood in high-risk areas.

“Wherever they are, they are citizens whose right to life and safety must be protected. No one should feel that their life becomes worthless simply because they live in a certain area,” he asserted.

Previously, a travel driver from Toraja, Aris Sanda, was shot after being held hostage by an armed criminal group (KKB) while transporting logistics along the Wamena-Mbua route in Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Highlands.

The victim's body was subsequently found inside the vehicle, which had been burned near Lake Habema.

Additionally, seven women were reported held hostage by an armed group in Jila District, Mimika Regency, following an earlier abduction of nine women since August 17, 2026.

Developments reveal that one victim was successfully evacuated alive, while another was found deceased.