Petrus Pekei, one of the West Papua Separatist commanders in the Dokoge Paniai region, was recently arrested by the Damai Cartenz Task Force in 2024, along with the Dogiyai District Police.

The appearance of Petrus Pekei, the West Papua Separatist commander, was shown by the Damai Cartenz Task Force during his arrest.

West Papua Separatist Commander Petrus Pekei was just captured after being on the police’s wanted list for years.

The arrest of Petrus occurred in Ekaugida Village, specifically at Pugo slope in East Paniai District, Central Papua Province, Indonesia, on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Head of Operation Damai Cartenz 2024, Police Commissioner Faizal Ramadhani, stated that the arrest happened while Petrus Pekei was traveling from Nabire Regency to Paniai Regency.

“The arrest of West Papua Separatist leader Petrus Pekei was based on a police report dated February 1, 2015, and the wanted list,” said Faizal (May 19, 2024).

According to Faizal, Petrus Pekei was arrested in connection with criminal acts of extortion, threats, violent theft, and illegal possession of firearms committed on January 31, 2015, in Witai Village, Yatamo District, Paniai Regency.

“The victim was Nicolas Worabay, and the incident occurred on January 31, 2015, in Witai Village, Yatamo District,” said Faizal.

Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations for Operation Damai Cartenz 2024, Bayu Suseno, revealed the moments or chronology of the arrest of the elusive West Papua Separatist commander who had evaded capture for almost 10 years.

Bayu Suseno explained that the arrest occurred while the individual was traveling from Nabire Regency to Paniai.

“Less than three hours after monitoring Petrus’s movements, personnel immediately apprehended the suspect at Pugo slope, Madi Village, East Paniai District,” said Bayu.

He added that Petrus Pekei has been taken to Nabire Regency for further investigation at the Nabire Police Headquarters to investigate his involvement in the West Papua Separatist network.

“Petrus Pekei holds a significant position as the Operational Commander of the West Papua Separatist at the Dokoge Paniai Headquarters,” said Bayu Suseno.

Bayu added that the arrest of Petrus demonstrates the police’s seriousness in enforcing the law in the Papua Regional Police jurisdiction.

“This arrest is proof of the police’s seriousness through the Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force to enforce the law within the jurisdiction of the Papua Regional Police,” he said.