Jayapura, Jubi TV – An Indonesian Military (TNI) member of the Intan Jaya Preparatory Military District Command, Chief Pvt. Asben Kurniawan Gagola, was arrested in Wandoga Village, Sugapa District for allegedly selling ammunition to the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) at Rp 2 million.
Head of Information of XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command Lt. Col. Kav Herman Taryaman has confirmed the arrest of a TNI member in Intan Jaya.
Herman said Asben was arrested after joint TNI/Police officers arrested Fabianus Sani, a member of the TPNPB alleged of stabbing a Moslem clergyman, Ustadz Asep, in Sugapa’s Bilogai Village on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
“From the development of investigation into Sani’s case, we obtain the information that he had purchased 10 rounds of ammunition from TNI personnel through John Sondegau as an intermediary,” said Herman in Jayapura.
After receiving this information, he said, the security forces detained John Sondegau, who coincidentally was with Chief Pvt. Asben.
“Sondegau admitted he had received 10 rounds of 5.56 mm caliber ammunition from Asben, which was then sold to Sani twice. Five items at first and five more items on the next time,” Herman explained.
Meanwhile, Asben during interrogation admitted he had sold 10 bullets by placing them in John Sondegau who then sold them to Fabianus Sani.
“A total of 50 rounds of ammunition was obtained from the remainder of the 501 Battalion at the Holomama Post,” Herman said, adding that Asben Kurniawan Gagola had been brought to the Nabire Military Police Detachment for further legal processing. (*)
