Two Suspects in Papua ASN Shooting Linked to Susi Air Pilot Case

The Indonesian police have identified two individuals, PN and KT, as suspects in the shooting of three civil servants (ASN) in Papua, allegedly carried out by an armed criminal group (KKB). These suspects are also believed to be connected to previous violent incidents, including the 2023 abduction of Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens. Kombes Pol Yusuf Sutejo, head of public relations for the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, announced on Friday (11/9) that the identities were confirmed by comparing video footage with police data and characteristics. PN and KT are reportedly members of the KKB's Ndugama unit and were on the police's wanted list (DPO). "After we cross-referenced with the data we have and the characteristics we possess, we confirmed that these two individuals are PN and KT, who are on our DPO," Sutejo said in a written statement. PN and KT are suspected of involvement in a series of violent cases in Papua. They are members of the KKB Kodap III Ndugama led by Egianus Kogoya and are on the police's wanted list. The two are allegedly involved in the shooting incident during the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival (FBLB) in Jayawijaya Regency on August 8, 2026, which resulted in two civilians being injured. Furthermore, PN and KT were implicated in the hostage-taking of Susi Air pilot Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens in Nduga Regency on February 7, 2023. The pilot was eventually freed on September 21, 2024. "Their involvement in the shooting case during the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival and the Susi Air pilot's abduction is a significant development for us. Based on this identification, we are continuing our pursuit to locate the perpetrators," he added. In the incident involving the ASNs, the three victims were initially going to provide assistance with young pigs, inspect paddy fields, and offer guidance on animal husbandry. While returning to Wamena, their vehicle was allegedly ambushed by armed individuals who ordered them to stop. The three victims were then ordered out of the vehicle and led behind it. Shortly after, three gunshots were heard, and the perpetrators fled the scene. Based on initial investigations and information obtained, the perpetrators are believed to have carried two long firearms and several machetes when they left the location. The police are still conducting further investigations into the series of events, including the motive and the parties involved. One aspect being developed is the suspicion that the action was aimed at disrupting public order and security (kamtibmas) and instilling fear among the community. "Their target is to disrupt kamtibmas and create fear in the community. Therefore, we continue to pursue and develop information to identify all those involved," he said. In response to the series of incidents, the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has reinforced its personnel in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency. This reinforcement aims to maintain public order and security, as well as support the search and pursuit of PN, KT, and other suspected accomplices. "We continue to pursue and develop every piece of information obtained to determine the whereabouts of the perpetrators," he stated. Irjen Faizal Ramadhani, head of the Cartenz Peace Operation, said that his team is continuously developing all information and evidence obtained during the investigation process. "Every piece of information we receive will be thoroughly examined and followed up according to legal procedures. We are striving to identify all involved parties and ensure that law enforcement proceeds professionally," said Faizal. Meanwhile, the bodies of the three victims have been repatriated to their respective regions. One body was sent home on Thursday (10/9/2026), and the other two on Friday (11/9). The Cartenz Peace Task Force urges all relevant government officials who will be carrying out activities in the field to coordinate with local security forces first. If there are activities from related departments or agencies, it is expected that they be communicated and coordinated with local authorities to ensure their security can be assisted. Three civil servants (ASN) from Jayawijaya Regency were previously reported to have been shot dead by an armed criminal group (KKB) on Wednesday (9/9). As reported by the Instagram account @bknkanreg14, the three victims were Aprida Rapi, Head of the Animal Husbandry Division of the Jayawijaya Agriculture Agency; Alfonsius Albinus Mehan, a veterinarian at the Jayawijaya Health Agency; and Willi Mbuik, a prospective civil servant (PNS). Source: CNN Indonesia