Chronology of One TNI Soldier Died Attacked by KKB During Operation Search for Susi Air Pilot

Chronology of One TNI Soldier Died Attacked by KKB During Operation Search for Susi Air Pilot

The Head of the Information Center (Kapuspen) of the Indonesian Armed Forces Rear Admiral Julius Widjojono explained the chronology of the events of the Task Force (Satgas) Infantry Battalion (Yonif) Raider 321/Galuh Taruna who were attacked by an armed criminal group (KKB) during an operation to search for Susi Air pilot, Philips Mark Methrtens(37). 

The attack took place in Mugi District, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains, Saturday (15/4/2023) afternoon WIT. 

As a result of the attack, a soldier from the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad), Private Miftahul Arifin, died. 

Julius said the attack occurred when the Yonif Raider 321 Task Force was approaching the position of the Philips hostage taker. 

"The Task Force (Yonif Raider 321) tried to comb closer to the positions of the hostage takers (KKB), then there was an attack from them (armed criminal groups)," said Julius during a press conference at TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Sunday (16/4 /2023). 

As a result of the attack, Private Private Miftahul Arifin fell into a ravine with a depth of 15 meters. 

After that, continued Julius, there was a follow-up attack from the KKB on the Yonif Raider 321 Task Force. 

"When (soldiers) tried to help (Pratu Miftahul), (they) received repeated attacks," said Julius. 

Julius denied when it was stated that six soldiers had died as a result of the follow-up attack. He said the condition of the other soldiers who received the follow-up attack was still being investigated. 

"Other conditions are still in the deepening stage," said Julius. 

"We will review the number of victims later, and we will convey it," said Julius. 

Separately, Head of Information for Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih Colonel (Kav) Herman Taryaman said the attack took place on Saturday, around 16.30 WIT. 

"The attack by the KST gang (terrorist separatist group) on TNI soldiers who were carrying out assignments in the Nduga Regency area was in the context of searching for Susi Air pilots," Herman said when contacted, Sunday. 

The TNI is still trying to monitor field conditions. However, because of the rainy and foggy weather, Herman admitted that he had not been able to communicate with the security forces at that location. 

"Similarly, efforts to provide assistance and evacuation are still being carried out," said Herman. 

"Please pray that the TNI soldiers who are carrying out state duties and also searching for the Susi Air pilot (Philips Mark Methrtens) will be given safety, protection and strength so they can return to duty," he said. 

Kronologi Satu Prajurit TNI Gugur Diserang KKB Saat Operasi Pencarian Pilot Susi Air

Kepala Pusat Penerangan (Kapuspen) TNI Laksamana Muda Julius Widjojono memaparkan kronologi soal peristiwa prajurit Satuan Tugas (Satgas) Batalion Infanteri (Yonif) Raider 321/Galuh Taruna yang diserang kelompok kriminal bersenjata (KKB) saat operasi pencarian pilot Susi Air, Philips Mark Methrtens (37).

Adapun penyerangan tersebut terjadi di Distrik Mugi, Kabupaten Nduga, Papua Pegunungan, Sabtu (15/4/2023) sore WIT.

Akibat penyerangan itu, satu prajurit Komando Cadangan Strategis Angkatan Darat (Kostrad), Pratu Miftahul Arifin, gugur.

Julius mengatakan, peristiwa penyerangan itu terjadi ketika Satgas Yonif Raider 321 sedang mendekati posisi penyandera Philips.

“Dari Satgas (Yonif Raider 321) mencoba menyisir mendekati posisi dari para penyandera (KKB), kemudian ada serangan dari mereka (kelompok kriminal bersenjata),” kata Julius saat konferensi pers di Mabes TNI, Cilangkap, Jakarta Timur, Minggu (16/4/2023).

Akibat penyerangan tersebut, Pratu Miftahul Arifin terjatuh ke jurang dengan kedalaman 15 meter.

Setelah itu, lanjut Julius, terjadi serangan lanjutan dari KKB terhadap Satgas Yonif Raider 321.

“Ketika (prajurit) mencoba untuk menolong (Pratu Miftahul), (mereka) mendapatkan serangan ulang,” ujar Julius.

Julius membantah bila disebutkan ada enam prajurit yang gugur akibat penyerangan susulan itu. Dia mengatakan, kondisi prajurit lain yang mendapatkan serangan susulan itu masih didalami. 

“Kondisi lainnya masih dalam tahap pendalaman,” tutur Julius.

“Untuk jumlah korban nanti akan kami data ulang, dan kami sampaikan,” kata Julius.

Terpisah, Kepala Penerangan Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih Kolonel (Kav) Herman Taryaman mengatakan, penyerangan tersebut terjadi pada Sabtu, sekira pukul 16.30 WIT.

“Kejadian penyerangan oleh gerombolan KST (kelompok separatis teroris) terhadap prajurit TNI yang sedang melaksanakan tugas di wilayah Kabupaten Nduga dalam rangka pencarian pilot Susi Air,” kata Herman saat dihubungi, Minggu.

TNI masih berupaya memantau kondisi lapangan. Namun, karena cuaca hujan dan berkabut, Herman mengaku belum bisa berkomunikasi dengan aparat keamanan di lokasi tersebut.

"Demikian pula upaya-upaya memberikan bantuan dan evakuasi tetap dilaksanakan," ujar Herman.

"Mohon doanya semoga prajurit TNI yang melaksanakan tugas negara dan juga melakukan pencarian pilot Susi Air (Philips Mark Methrtens) diberikan keselamatan, perlindungan, dan kekuatan sehingga dapat kembali bertugas," kata dia.