Warrant Officer Bayani is a native Papuan. He is well known in KOPASSUS. He is calm, bold, and has incredible shooting and tracking abilities. During the 1996 Mapenduma hostage rescue operation, conflicting intelligence was presented. To seek guidance, I summoned Bayani, who is experienced in the area. Despite information provided by British intelligence experts, Bayani disregarded it, citing the lack of water at the location tipped by British intelligence. Bayani, with his Papuan accent, questioned how so many people could be in a place without water.
Bayani, recommended by Major Zacky Anwar, showcased his exceptional fieldcraft techniques and physical strength. Known for his bravery, he once infiltrated an enemy guerrilla camp alone and brought back prisoners. Despite his skills, Bayani often found himself in trouble with authorities due to his involvement in fights.
The story involving Warrant Officer Bayani focuses on the 1996 Mapenduma military operation to rescue hostages held by the separatist Free Papua Movement near Mapenduma. Tasked by General Feisal Tanjung, I established the Kasuari Team under Bayani’s command to track down the hostage-takers and hostages in the rugged terrain. The operation was challenging due to the lack of equipment and real-time intelligence data.
The mission involved risky maneuvers, and the team relied on human intelligence to locate the hostages. With the guidance of an intelligence team, the operation commenced using six assault helicopters to target designated areas. A piece of crucial information from international advisers helped pinpoint the exact location of the hostages using a beacon signal.
Bayani’s expertise in tracking and shooting abilities proved valuable during the operation. Despite the challenges faced, the Kasuari Team was prepared to intercept the hostage-takers should they attempt to flee. The successful rescue mission in Mapenduma showcased the bravery and skills of Warrant Officer Bayani and the team involved.
