Papua Post

Yahukimo, Highland Papua – Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel came under attack from an armed group identified by authorities as the Free Papua Movement (OPM) while carrying out a humanitarian mission to evacuate the bodies of a married couple who were killed in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua. Despite the armed confrontation, the evacuation team successfully completed its mission and transported the victims' bodies to Dekai Regional Hospital for identification. The incident occurred near the Trans Papua Highway in Seradala District on July 23 . According to Major General Yudha Airlangga , Commander of the Habema Joint Regional Defense Command (Koops TNI Habema), the evacuation operation faced significant challenges due to mountainous terrain, adverse weather conditions, rising river levels, and an unstable security situation. As the rescue team approached the location, they encountered armed individuals, resulting in an exchange of gunfire before the evacuation...

  Jakarta — Violence targeting civilians in Papua has once again drawn strong condemnation following reports of attacks allegedly carried out by members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) . Incidents in which non-combatants become victims have been widely described as unacceptable and contrary to fundamental humanitarian principles. Observers emphasize that regardless of political or ideological differences, civilians must never become targets of violence. The deliberate intimidation or killing of non-combatants not only causes human suffering but also undermines efforts to promote peace, stability, and development throughout the region. Attacks on Civilians Deepen the Humanitarian Impact Security-related incidents involving civilians have continued to generate concern because of their long-term humanitarian consequences. Beyond the immediate loss of life and injuries, such attacks often force residents to flee their homes, disrupt children's education, interrupt healthcare services...

  Yahukimo, Highland Papua – Indonesian police are continuing their investigation into the death of Brigadier Fredi Lukas Awes , a member of the Operation Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force , who was killed while carrying out his duties in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua. Investigators are examining the possible involvement of an armed group operating in the region, while emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing and no final conclusions have yet been reached regarding those responsible. Brigadier Fredi was found on the night of July 20 at approximately 11:30 p.m. local time in the Halabok Paradiso area, behind Jalan Pertanian, Dekai District. Preliminary examinations indicated that the officer sustained multiple injuries caused by a sharp weapon. His body was subsequently evacuated to Dekai Regional Hospital for forensic examination and formal identification. Police Continue Investigation into Possible Armed Group Involvement The Operation Damai Cartenz Task Force , toget...

Yahukimo, Papua Highlands — Personnel from the Indonesia–Papua New Guinea Mobile Border Security Task Force (Satgas Pamtas RI–PNG Mobile Yonif 725/Woroagi) under the Habema Joint Regional Defense Command (Koops TNI Habema) have successfully uncovered and secured 5,715 plants suspected to be cannabis at several locations in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands. The discovery resulted from intelligence gathering and a series of security patrols conducted across remote mountainous terrain. The Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III stated that authorities are continuing to investigate allegations that cannabis cultivation in the interior of Papua may have been used as a source of funding for an armed group operating in the region. Officials emphasized that the alleged connection remains under investigation and has not yet been legally established. Discovery Followed Intelligence Operations and Field Patrols According to Koops TNI Habema, the operation beg...

Intan Jaya, Central Papua — A patrol team from the Habema Joint Regional Defense Command (Koops TNI Habema) has secured a honai (traditional Papuan hut) suspected of being used as a transit location by an armed group near Abundoga Village , Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua. During the operation, security personnel confiscated three firearms , ammunition, and other equipment believed to be associated with the group's activities. The operation was launched following intelligence reports indicating alleged plans for armed actions and consolidation activities in the area. According to Lieutenant Colonel M. Wirya Arthadiguna , Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, the operation was preceded by intelligence gathering, target verification, and detailed planning to ensure that it was carried out in a measured manner while prioritizing the safety of civilians living near the operation area. Operation Initiated Following Intelligence Reports Koops TNI Habema stated that security...

  Jakarta — The Indonesian government continues to strengthen a more comprehensive approach to maintaining security and stability in Papua. Through the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) , efforts to address the spread of radicalism and separatist ideology are increasingly focused not only on security operations but also on education, territorial engagement, and stronger partnerships with local communities. This strategy reflects the government's commitment to placing public protection and long-term stability at the center of its security policy. A range of community outreach programs, territorial development initiatives, and collaboration with traditional leaders, religious figures, local governments, educators, and community organizations have been expanded to help prevent the spread of extremist and separatist narratives at an early stage. These preventive measures complement law enforcement efforts carried out in accordance with national laws and regulations. Prevention Vi...

Timika, Central Papua — Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III (Kogabwilhan III) , Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto , revealed that firearms used by armed groups operating in Papua are believed to originate from both domestic and international sources . The findings have prompted Indonesian security authorities to intensify surveillance along suspected smuggling routes in an effort to prevent the flow of illegal weapons and ammunition into Papua. Speaking during the presentation of Kogabwilhan III's First Semester 2026 operational results in Timika, Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto explained that illegal weapons trafficking remains one of the primary security challenges in Papua. He emphasized that stronger coordination among security institutions is essential to disrupt supply networks supporting armed groups. Weapons Allegedly Supplied Through Domestic and Overseas Networks According to Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto, operational evaluations indicate that firearms recovered from arm...

  Jakarta — Indonesia's National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has called for an independent, impartial, comprehensive, and transparent investigation into the death of a pregnant woman identified as MD (Melkiana Duwitau) , who was fatally struck by a bullet during an armed incident in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua . The commission emphasized that a thorough investigation is essential to establish accountability, provide justice for the victim's family, and help prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident occurred on July 2, 2026 , in Mamba Village , Sugapa District. According to information released by the Habema Joint Operations Command (Koops Habema) , the area came under gunfire allegedly originating from an armed group identified as the Free Papua Movement (OPM) from several different positions. Military officials stated that Indonesian troops did not return fire due to heavy rain, dense fog, and extremely limited...

Jayapura, Papua — Personnel from the Indonesian Air Force Border Security Task Force (Satgas Pasgat RI–PNG) successfully intercepted an attempted smuggling operation involving approximately 670 grams of dried marijuana through the cargo terminal of Sentani International Airport in Jayapura Regency, Papua. According to preliminary findings from security authorities, the shipment is suspected of being linked to a network that may have been intended to support the activities of armed groups operating in Papua. The discovery began during a routine inspection using an X-ray screening system at the airport's cargo facility. Officers identified a suspicious package that had been declared as containing textile products. A more detailed examination revealed that the package concealed dried marijuana, allegedly packaged in an attempt to avoid detection by security personnel. Routine Airport Inspection Leads to Drug Seizure Authorities stated that the successful operation resulted f...

Yahukimo, Papua Highlands — The armed group known as the West Papua National Liberation Army–Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) has claimed responsibility for the fatal shooting of American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and the burning of a PT AMA pioneer aircraft in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands , on July 2, 2026 . The claim was made through an official statement distributed to several media outlets. According to the group's statement, the attack was carried out by fighters from Kodap XVI Yahukimo , who alleged that the aircraft had violated a flight ban previously announced by the organization within what it describes as its operational area. TPNPB-OPM Issues Official Claim of Responsibility In its statement, TPNPB-OPM asserted that the shooting of the pilot and the subsequent burning of the aircraft were conducted under the command of leaders from Kodap XVI Yahukimo . The group claimed that it had previously issued warnings prohibi...

  Mimika, Central Papua — The Mimika Regency Government , in collaboration with PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) , has reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding educational facilities in Waa Banti Village, Tembagapura District , which were destroyed in an arson attack attributed to an armed criminal group (KKB) in 2018. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that children in Papua's mountainous communities continue to enjoy their right to education despite past security challenges. The reconstruction project will include a Primary School and an integrated Junior Secondary School , which previously served as the main educational center for the local community. Local authorities emphasized that acts of violence should never interrupt children's access to education, and that the recovery effort will be carried out through close cooperation between government institutions, the private sector, and local communities. Site Assessment Conducted Before Reconstruction Begins...

  Jakarta — Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago , has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands. The government described the attack as an unacceptable act of violence and instructed security forces to pursue those responsible while reinforcing security across Papua, particularly around critical aviation routes. The incident occurred on July 2, 2026 , when an aircraft operated by Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) and piloted by Goselin came under attack shortly after landing at Balinggama Airstrip in Sobaham District. Following the shooting, the aircraft was set on fire by the armed group, resulting in its complete destruction. Government Strongly Condemns the Attack In an official statement, Coordinating Minister Djamari Chaniago expressed his condolences over the death of Nicholas F. Goselin while firmly condemning the shooting and the burning of the ...