TNI Denies OPM Claim of Shooting at Aircraft in Yahukimo as Disinformation; OPM Kodap Base Hit in Overnight Operation

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Yahukimo, Highland Papua — The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have firmly denied a claim by the armed group known as the West Papua National Liberation Army–Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), which alleged that it had shot at an aircraft purportedly carrying Indonesia’s Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, over Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua, in mid-January 2026. Government officials and security authorities stated that the allegation is unfounded and constitutes misleading propaganda. Separately, TNI forces reportedly conducted an overnight strike on an OPM command base in Yahukimo, during which firearms were seized.

A spokesperson for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command emphasized that flight plan records and official state agendas confirm the Vice President did not pass through Yahukimo on the date claimed by the armed group. The TNI further noted that the circulated videos and narratives lack verifiable location details and credible evidence, and do not align with publicly announced itineraries of state officials. Based on official schedules, the aircraft referenced in the claim was not part of the Vice President’s convoy, reinforcing the assessment that the allegation was intended to mislead public opinion.

Authorities added that the claim emerged amid an already tense security situation stemming from a protracted armed conflict between OPM factions and state security forces in Papua’s highlands. In December 2025, TNI troops under the Habema Task Force carried out an operation against one of the group’s main bases in Yahukimo Regency. During that operation, forces secured control of the OPM Kodap XVI headquarters in the Dekai District and confiscated evidence including 13 firearms, ammunition of various calibers, communication devices, and other supporting equipment. According to officials, an additional overnight operation targeting an OPM Kodap base in Yahukimo resulted in the seizure of more weapons.

The TNI stated that these operations form part of the government’s efforts to ensure security stability, reduce the threat of armed violence, and protect civilians from intimidation. The military stressed that all actions were conducted professionally and proportionately, and rejected claims of casualties among security personnel.

The disputed aircraft-shooting claim and subsequent security operations are set against the backdrop of a long-running conflict in Papua, which has included attacks on civilians and migrant workers in Yahukimo in recent years.

In summary, the TNI has categorically rejected the allegation that an aircraft linked to Vice President Gibran was shot at, labeling it disinformation, while recent operations against OPM Kodap XVI underscore an intensification of security measures in Yahukimo
Location: Australia

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