CheckPapuaNow.com – Commander of the 1703-04/Aradide Military District (Danramil), Letda Infantry Oktovianus Sogarlay (OS), tragically lost his life in a brazen attack orchestrated by a group of assailants. According to reports from the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command, these attackers were identified as members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) or affiliated armed criminal factions (KKB), shedding light on the ongoing security challenges faced in the region.
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) disclosed that Letda Oktovianus fell victim to gunfire in the Ariade District of Paniai. His lifeless body was discovered on the somber morning of yesterday’s date (4/11/2024), marking a solemn reminder of the risks encountered by those serving in conflict-prone areas.
“The perpetrators behind this heinous act of violence are believed to be affiliated with the OPM,” asserted Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, the spokesperson for the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command, during a press briefing on Friday (4/12/2024), underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Providing a detailed account of the events leading up to the tragedy, Candra elucidated that the attack unfolded as Letda Oktovianus departed from the Military District Headquarters on the afternoon of Wednesday (4/10). Alarmingly, he failed to return by Thursday morning (4/11), prompting immediate concern among his colleagues and superiors.
In response, military personnel swiftly initiated search efforts, which ultimately culminated in the grim discovery of Letda Oktovianus’ lifeless remains. The news of his demise sent shockwaves through the community, serving as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those tasked with upholding security in volatile regions especially in facing OPM.
“Upon locating the victim’s body, immediate measures were taken to evacuate it to Enarotali, before proceeding with transportation to Nabire,” Kapendam elaborated, emphasizing the urgency and gravity of the situation.
As the investigation unfolds, attention has also turned towards the broader security landscape in Central Papua. Currently, efforts to enhance accessibility and connectivity have seen significant progress, with the Transpapua road facilitating travel to four key cities in the region. Notably, this crucial infrastructure link encompasses Nabire, Dogiyai, Deiyai, and Paniai districts, underscoring the strategic importance of bolstering transportation networks in remote and underserved areas.
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Source: Antaranews.
