Warrant Officer Bayani is a native Papuan who is well known in KOPASSUS for his calm demeanor, boldness, and exceptional shooting and tracking abilities. During the 1996 Mapenduma hostage rescue operation, there was conflicting intelligence information. In a moment of uncertainty, Bayani’s expertise was sought after to provide insight. Despite dismissing the information provided by British intelligence experts, Bayani’s knowledge of the area proved invaluable. He pointed out the impracticality of the location indicated by the British intelligence, emphasizing the lack of water in that area and casting doubt on its accuracy.
Bayani had earned a reputation as a skilled soldier with great fieldcraft techniques, physical strength, and fearlessness. His ability to operate silently in the jungle and infiltrate enemy camps made him a standout figure in the military. Despite his successes in the field, Bayani had a history of disciplinary issues, often getting into fights and requiring intervention from military police.
The story that stands out about Warrant Officer Bayani is his involvement in the 1996 Mapenduma military operation to rescue hostages held by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in the dense and treacherous jungle of Papua. General Feisal Tanjung tasked a team of expert trackers, including the ‘all Papuan team’ led by Bayani, to locate and rescue the hostages. Despite the challenges posed by the difficult terrain and lack of advanced equipment, the operation was a success, marking a significant achievement in hostage rescue missions in the jungle.
Intelligence played a crucial role in the operation, with a team led by Colonel Amirul Isnaini and Infantry Major Restu Widiyantoro providing valuable insights and analysis. The lack of advanced technology necessitated a reliance on human intelligence, highlighting the importance of skilled officers like Major Restu in the success of the mission. The operation involved deploying troops to designated target points based on intelligence assessments and utilizing satellite phones to overcome communication challenges in the remote region.
The involvement of international advisers from the British SAS added a new dimension to the operation, with crucial information about the hostages’ location obtained through a beacon smuggled in by the advisers. This intelligence, combined with the expertise of the Kasuari Team led by Bayani, ultimately led to the successful rescue of the hostages. Despite the obstacles and limitations faced during the operation, the collaborative efforts of the team and their unwavering determination ensured a positive outcome.
