In the rugged highlands of Papua, Indonesia, the name Aibon Kogoya has become synonymous with violence and terror. As the leader of the armed criminal group (KKB) operating in the Intan Jaya region, Kogoya’s actions have left a trail of devastation, claiming numerous lives and instilling fear among local communities.​
A History of Violence
Kogoya’s group has been responsible for a series of brutal attacks in Puncak and Intan Jaya Regency, Papua for several years which include ambushes, killings, and the destruction of essential infrastructure, have resulted in a growing death toll and immense fear among the Papuan people. Below is a detailed account of the major crimes committed by Kogoya’s group, highlighting their violent methods and the profound impact on the community.
1. April 8-9, 2021: The Murder of Two Teachers
The first notable crime attributed to Aibon Kogoya’s group occurred on April 8-9, 2021. On these dates, two teachers, Oktovianus Rayo, a 43-year-old elementary school teacher, and Yonatan Randen, a teacher from SMPN 1 Julukoma, were killed in cold blood. The attack took place when Oktovianus was guarding a kiosk near his home. The assailants, members of the KKB, approached him and shot him dead using pistols.
The killing was part of a broader campaign of terror carried out by the KKB. The bodies of the victims were later taken to their hometown in Sulawesi Selatan, illustrating the group’s disregard for human life and their ruthlessness.
2. March 2, 2022: The Murder of Eight Palapa Ring Workers
Less than a year after the teachers’ killings, on March 2, 2022, Aibon Kogoya’s group struck again. This time, the victims were eight workers employed by PT Palapa Ring Timur, a company working on telecommunications infrastructure in Papua.
The workers were shot dead at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level while repairing a telecommunications tower. The attack occurred without prior coordination with security forces, which contributed to the vulnerability of the workers. The shooting was another example of the KKB’s deadly campaign to disrupt development projects in the region.
3. March 4, 2022: Attack on the Dambet Military Post
On March 4, 2022, Kogoya’s group ambushed a patrol of 12 soldiers from the Dambet Military Post. The soldiers were in the midst of repairing a water channel when they were attacked by 15 KKB members armed with three long-barrel firearms. A firefight ensued, with one soldier, Pratu Herianto, being shot in the neck.
The attack not only demonstrated the group’s tactical capabilities but also underscored their willingness to target security forces and civilians alike. Despite the attack, the soldiers managed to repel the KKB back towards the village of Ogamki in Beoga.
4. November 8, 2022: Attack on Health Center Workers in Milawak
On November 8, 2022, Aibon Kogoya’s group launched another attack, this time targeting workers involved in the construction of a health center in Milawak Village, Beoga District, Puncak Regency. One worker was killed in the attack, while another was seriously wounded and required medical attention at Mimika Regional Hospital.
This attack on health professionals further demonstrates the KKB’s disregard for humanitarian efforts and their relentless pursuit of violence against anyone they perceive as an enemy.
5. April 9, 2023: Gunfight in Sugapa
On April 9, 2023, a deadly gunfight broke out in Sugapa, Intan Jaya, between members of the Indonesian military and Kogoya’s group. During the skirmish, Sergeant Robertus Simbolon, a soldier with the Raider 303/TKR Task Force, was killed.
The attack was part of the ongoing armed conflict between the military and the KKB, with Kogoya’s group employing guerrilla tactics to strike at military personnel and evade capture.
6. November 22, 2023: Attack on Intan Jaya Police and Damai Cartenz Task Force
On November 22, 2023, Kogoya’s group targeted the Intan Jaya Police and the Damai Cartenz Task Force in a sustained gun battle in Titigi Village, Sugapa District. The attack lasted for an extended period, resulting in the death of one member of the Brimob (Mobile Brigade) police force.
Although Aibon Kogoya himself was not present at the scene, the attack was directly attributed to his group. This incident highlights the group’s ongoing assault on law enforcement and military personnel in the region.
7. November 24, 2023: Attack on Puskesmas Workers in Puncak
On November 24, 2023, the KKB carried out another attack, this time targeting a group of construction workers building a health center in Puncak, Papua Tengah. The attack left three workers dead: Satiman, Triyono, and Suyanto. Two others, Nurali and Alfian, were fortunate to survive, taking refuge in a nearby church.
This attack further illustrates the KKB’s strategy of targeting civilian workers involved in development projects, aiming to destabilize efforts to improve infrastructure in Papua.
8. March 20, 2024: Attack on Helicopter Landing Site
The most recent reported attack occurred on March 20, 2024, when Kogoya’s group ambushed police officers securing a helicopter landing site, known as Hellypad 99, in Paniai. During the attack, two police officers, Bripda Arnaldobert and Bripda Sandi Defrit, were killed. Additionally, two AK-47 rifles were stolen from the officers.
This attack is a reminder of the KKB’s continued aggression against the Indonesian police and military, further escalating tensions in the region.
Aibon Kogoya: The Man Behind the Mask
Aibon Kogoya, estimated to be around 25 years old, hails from Intan Jaya and operates primarily in the Puncak region. While he is not the supreme leader, he commands a significant faction within the KKB, under the larger leadership of Lewis Kogoya. ​
Despite his youth, Kogoya has gained notoriety for his ruthless tactics and strategic use of terrain to evade security forces. His group’s operations often involve ambushes, targeting both civilians and military personnel, and have led to widespread displacement and fear among local populations.​
The Human Cost
The impact of Kogoya’s actions extends beyond the immediate victims. Communities in affected areas live in constant fear, with many forced to flee their homes to escape the violence. The attacks on infrastructure, such as health centers and schools, disrupt essential services and hinder development efforts in the region.​
Conclusion
Aibon Kogoya’s legacy is one of fear and suffering. His group’s relentless attacks have not only resulted in the loss of lives but have also destabilized communities and thwarted progress in Papua. As security forces continue their efforts to apprehend him and dismantle his group, the hope remains that peace and stability can eventually return to the region.
