Lajuran Driver Killed and Burned on Wamena–Mbua Route, TNI Pursues Perpetrators
Baca dalam 60 detik
- Aris Sanda, pengemudi angkutan lintas Wamena–Mbua, ditemukan tewas dalam mobil terbakar di sekitar Danau Habema, Kabupaten Jayawijaya.
- TNI menyebut korban dibawa oleh kelompok bersenjata OPM KODAP III Ndugama setelah penumpang lain dipulangkan ke Wamena.
- Pengejaran dan pendalaman saksi terus dilakukan, sementara evakuasi jenazah berlangsung dengan pengamanan ketat.
A driver of the Wamena–Mbua intercity transport, Aris Sanda alias Bapak Tasya, was killed and burned along with his vehicle on a mountain route in Papua on Tuesday (15/9) morning. The incident adds to the long list of violence against transport workers in the interior, an area that has long been the lifeline of the community's logistics distribution.
The Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lt. Col. Inf. M. Wirya Arthadiguna, stated that the victim was allegedly targeted by an armed group of OPM KODAP III Ndugama. The incident occurred at around 06.00 WIT near the Danau Habema junction, Gunung Boy, Trikora District, Jayawijaya Regency. According to him, a convoy of vehicles was stopped by a number of armed people who then inspected the driver and passengers.
"The passengers were ordered to return to Wamena, while Aris Sanda was taken toward the Danau Habema area," Wirya said in a written statement on Wednesday (16/9). Shortly after the report was received, a joint team conducted a sweep and found a car burned along with the victim's body.
The victim was known as a sopir lajuran, a term for drivers who serve intercity logistics and passenger transport in Papua. This work carries high risk because it crosses difficult terrain and areas prone to security disturbances. Wirya emphasized that the evacuation of the body was carried out according to procedure with priority on personnel safety. The deepening of the chronology and examination of witnesses continues together with related agencies.
Koops TNI Habema stated it will pursue the group involved and support law enforcement. "We deeply regret this incident. The victim was working to carry logistics and serve community transport to the interior," Wirya said. He added that workers who help sustain people's lives should be able to carry out their duties without the threat of violence.
"People who work to help sustain the community should be able to carry out their duties safely and not become victims of violence." — Lt. Col. Inf. M. Wirya Arthadiguna, Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema
The incident highlights security problems on logistics routes in the Papuan interior. So far, the distribution of staple goods, fuel, and other basic necessities to remote areas has depended heavily on lajuran drivers. Disruption against them not only takes lives but also risks cutting off supplies needed by residents. Local governments and security forces face a dual challenge: cracking down on perpetrators while ensuring the economy keeps running.
From a national perspective, the incident could trigger concerns among investors and businesses operating in Papua. Security stability is a primary prerequisite for investment, especially in the mining, plantation, and infrastructure sectors. The escalation of violence also risks widening the development gap between coastal and mountain regions. The government needs to respond with a comprehensive approach, not just military operations.
Going forward, the public will wait to see whether the pursuit yields results and how the state guarantees the safety of transport workers in vulnerable zones. Without real security guarantees, the flow of logistics to the interior could be disrupted, and civilians would again be the most disadvantaged party.
