Separatist fighters linked to killing of driver Aris Sanda in Highland Papua

The Indonesian Defense Forces' Habema Joint Operations Command reported that Aris Sanda, also known as Bapak Tasya, was killed after his open-bed vehicle was halted by armed individuals early Tuesday morning on the Wamena-Mbua route. After inspecting the driver and passengers, the assailants ordered the passengers back to Wamena and left Sanda to walk toward Lake Habema, where his body was discovered the following day alongside a charred vehicle.

Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna confirmed the perpetrators belong to OPM's III Defense Command Ndugama and said the command is actively investigating the killing and seeking the culprits to ensure regional security. He emphasized ongoing operations against armed groups and cooperation with law-enforcement agencies to prevent further civilian casualties. The incident adds to a pattern of separatist attacks on civilians in Papua, which have previously targeted various civilian occupations.