Warrant Officer Bayani, a native Papuan, is widely recognized in KOPASSUS for his calm demeanor, boldness, and exceptional shooting and tracking skills. In the 1996 Mapenduma hostage rescue operation, conflicting intelligence was received, leading to uncertainty about the exact location of the hostages. Seeking the expertise of Bayani, who was familiar with the area, proved to be a wise decision. Despite being presented with advanced technology-based intelligence from British experts, Bayani dismissed it, citing the impracticality of the location indicated due to the lack of water. Known for his fieldcraft abilities and fearlessness, Bayani had previously infiltrated enemy guerilla camps alone, disarming and capturing combatants single-handedly.
During the challenging Mapenduma operation, which aimed to rescue 26 hostages held by the separatist Free Papua Movement near Mapenduma, Bayani led the Kasuari Team, composed of expert trackers from KOPASSUS and the Cenderawasih Territorial Command. Nicknamed the “Papuan Rambo,” Bayani’s team was tasked with tracking the hostage-takers and hostages in the rugged jungle terrain. Despite facing limited equipment and technology, such as blurry photography equipment and a scarcity of maps, Bayani’s skills and his team’s determination led to a successful rescue operation in a notoriously difficult environment.
With the guidance of an exceptional intelligence team and advice from international advisers, including the British SAS, crucial information was obtained, including the use of a beacon to pinpoint the hostages’ exact location. This intelligence, combined with Bayani’s expertise and the Kasuari Team’s tracking abilities, allowed for a strategic approach to the operation. Despite the challenges and lack of advanced technology, the operation was a success, showcasing the determination, bravery, and skill of Warrant Officer Bayani and his team in the face of adversity.
