Report by: Yos | Editor: Kenzo
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Purwakarta, Indonesia – Thursday, June 5, 2025
A wave of grief swept through two villages in Purwakarta as the bodies of Saepudin (39) from Sukajadi, Pondok Salam, and Rahmat Hidayat from Bongas Kidul, Kertajaya, Pasawahan arrived home late Thursday night, after falling victim to a fatal shooting allegedly carried out by an armed separatist group (KKB) in Papua.
The deadly incident took place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at around 8:30 a.m. Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT) in Wamena, a region that has seen a rise in violence in recent months.
The remains of the two victims arrived at their respective homes in Purwakarta at 11:20 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) on Thursday, and were received by grieving family members, neighbors, and local officials.
A Mother’s Grief and Plea for Justice
In a tearful statement, Ma’ah, the mother of one of the victims, expressed her deep sorrow and acceptance of fate.
“I surrender to the will of Allah Almighty for what happened to my son. I only pray that those who murdered my child will be captured soon. I also want to thank the government and everyone who helped bring my son home from Wamena,” she said.
Local Government Strongly Condemns the Attack
Representing the Purwakarta Regency Government, Heri Heriyana, SE.MM.KP, the subdistrict secretary of Pondok Salam, condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
“On behalf of the Purwakarta Government, we welcome the return of the victims and extend our deepest condolences to the families. We strongly condemn this act of violence and hope the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice,” he stated during the solemn reception.
A Community United in Mourning
The repatriation of the victims was accompanied by Entis Sutisna, Chairman of the Pasundan Community Association in Wamena. He had followed the bodies on their journey back to West Java, ensuring that the process went smoothly.
“I came here out of a sense of solidarity and humanity. The entire transportation process, including logistics and handling, was facilitated by the Wamena Regional Hospital and the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI), where the deceased had worked,” Entis explained.
The tragic deaths of Saepudin and Rahmat Hidayat add to the growing number of civilians caught in the crossfire of ongoing tensions in Papua. Their return to Purwakarta is not only a moment of mourning but also a grim reminder of the urgent need for peace and security in Indonesia’s easternmost province.
