JAKARTA, iNews.id – General (Ret.) King Subianto succeeded in rescuing 26 foreign nationals (WNA) hostages in Mapenduma, Papua on January 8 1996. At that time Prabowo was Commander General (Danjen) Kopassus.

The foreigners who were taken hostage were researchers for the Lorentz Expedition 95. They were held hostage by members of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) led by Kelly Kwalik in Mapenduma Village, Tiom District, Jayawijaya Regency.

In the book 'Military Leadership: Notes from the Experience of Lt. Gen TNI (Ret.) Prabowo Subianto', he formed a core team of trail readers called Kasuari. This team consists of Kopassus troops and the Cenderawasih Military Command.

They are all local people. The task is to penetrate into the most difficult areas. Special Forces Soldier Serka

Danjen Kopassus Brigadier General Prabowo Subianto in Papua during Operation Mapenduma in 1996. One of the soldiers at that time, Serka Bayani, was a member of Kopassus who was a native Papuan. (Photo: Instagram/Prabowo Subianto).
Danjen Kopassus Brigadier General Prabowo Subianto in Papua during Operation Mapenduma in 1996. One of the soldiers at that time, Serka Bayani, was a member of Kopassus who was a native Papuan. (Photo: Instagram/Prabowo Subianto).

a native Papuan who leads the Cassowary team.

Prabowo admired Serka Bayani's prowess in reading traces. Serka Bayani was able to enter the enemy camp because he thought he was part of them.

“He is well-known in Kopassus. He is calm, brave, has extraordinary shooting skills and has the ability to read tracks. In operations in Papua Bayani usually does not wear shoes. He also chooses to wear shorts,” said Prabowo.



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