Papua Post

  MIMIKA, CENTRAL PAPUA – Violence against civilians has once again occurred in Jila District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua. Eleven women were reportedly taken hostage by the armed group identified as the Free Papua Movement (OPM) on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Of the 11 victims, nine were reportedly girls, most of whom were minors. The other two victims were adult women. One victim was found dead after suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen, while another was reportedly thrown into a ravine and suffered a broken leg. Hostage-Taking Reported in Pasir Putih Village The incident reportedly took place in Pasir Putih Village, Jila District , at around 1:40 p.m. local time. The incident was subsequently reported by residents to Koramil 1710-05/Jila . The report came after an exchange of gunfire during the period surrounding the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's Independence. Mimika Military District Commander Lt. Col. Inf. Jozanda said that after the exchange of gunfire, securit...

  MIMIKA, CENTRAL PAPUA – The Evangelical Church of the Gospel (Kingmi) in the Land of Papua has stated that the group responsible for taking nine Amungme women hostage in Jila District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, was the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB) affiliated with the OPM Kodap III Ndugama Derakma . The statement was made by Rev. Yahya Lagoan, M.Th., Chairman of the Kingmi Church Synod in the Land of Papua . According to information received by the church from local residents, the group associated with Kodap III Ndugama was responsible for the hostage-taking. The church's statement has drawn attention because it comes from an institution closely connected with local communities and that has received information regarding the situation in Jila. Hostage-Taking Followed an Attack in Jila According to information conveyed by Yahya Lagoan to the media, the hostage-taking occurred following an attack on a TNI post in Jila Village on August 17, 2026 . Inform...

  INTAN JAYA, Central Papua – An Indonesian military security operation in Intan Jaya, Central Papua, has once again highlighted the difficult conditions faced by security personnel in maintaining stability in the mountainous region. With temperatures reportedly dropping to around 3 degrees Celsius , TNI personnel conducted an operation to secure an area allegedly used by an armed OPM group while also confiscating a number of weapons and ammunition. According to a report published by Kompas.com on August 15, 2026 , the operation was part of ongoing efforts by Indonesian security forces to restrict the movement of armed groups in Intan Jaya. The area's challenging mountainous geography presents significant operational difficulties. Low temperatures, rugged terrain, and limited access require careful planning and high levels of readiness from personnel deployed in the field. Operation Conducted in Challenging Mountainous Terrain Intan Jaya is one of the regions of Central Papua char...

  JAYAPURA, Papua – Security forces have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the series of events commemorating the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia in Papua will proceed safely and peacefully. Threats reportedly issued by an OPM spokesperson have not weakened the readiness of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to secure public activities ahead of Independence Day on August 17, 2026. Commander of Military Region XVII/Cenderawasih, Major General TNI Febriel Buyung Sikumbang , emphasized that the TNI and Polri have strengthened coordination to ensure that all 81st Independence Day activities can proceed smoothly. Security arrangements are being implemented in coordination with local authorities and adapted to the security conditions of each area in Papua. TNI-Polri Remain Focused Despite Threats Threats reportedly issued by the OPM are not being allowed to reduce the security forces' level of preparedne...

  JAKARTA – Lenis Kogoya , Special Adviser to the Minister of Defense for State Sovereignty Affairs, has delivered three firm messages to TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom and his group , calling for an end to provocation and violence and urging armed groups to stay away from civilian communities in Papua. The statement was delivered on August 11, 2026 , amid heightened attention to the security situation in Papua. Lenis highlighted a number of alleged acts of violence reported in recent months, including intimidation, assaults, killings of teachers and missionaries, and the burning of school facilities. TVRINews report Three Key Points from Lenis Kogoya Lenis outlined three main demands directed at TPNPB-OPM. First , he called for an end to the dissemination of provocative narratives through mass media, as well as threats to kill civilians and local government officials. Second , he called on the group to leave and vacate areas around Wamena , particularly locations that ...

  JAYAWIJAYA – Members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) Kodap III/Ndugama are behind the shooting of two civilians near the venue of the 34th Baliem Valley Cultural Festival (FBLB) in Walesi District, Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua. Security officials view this sporadic act of terror as a clear sign of desperation from the group, which has been increasingly cornered by the joint TNI-Polri Task Force's tightened security measures and ongoing operations across the region. The cowardly attack targeting unarmed civilians occurred amidst high enthusiasm from local residents and both domestic and international tourists attending Jayawijaya's flagship annual cultural event. Military authorities strongly condemned the violence, reiterating the government's unwavering commitment to maintaining regional stability and protecting all citizens in Papua. Armed Group's Desperation Amid Heightened Security Measures Chief of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, C...