Papua Post

JAKARTA – Calls to strengthen the government's response to armed groups in Papua have resurfaced. National Solidarity for Papua is urging the Indonesian government and the House of Representatives (DPR RI) to consider raising the legal status of the Armed Criminal Groups (KKB)/Free Papua Movement (OPM) to that of a terrorist organization. The call comes amid growing public concern over violence attributed to armed groups in several parts of Papua, including incidents affecting civilian communities. According to the group behind the appeal, Indonesia's response to armed violence needs to be strengthened to provide more effective protection for the people of Papua. Civilian Protection at the Center of Concern Armed violence in Papua affects not only security personnel but also civilians living in vulnerable areas. Reports of attacks, hostage-taking, and disruptions to community activities have increased concerns about the safety of local residents. For this reason, the c...

  PAPUA – A series of violent incidents involving armed criminal groups (KKB), also referred to as the Free Papua Movement (OPM) , drew significant attention throughout August 2026. Based on a compilation of reports by detikcom through August 25, 2026 , nine attacks were recorded across several areas of Papua Highlands and Central Papua. The incidents reportedly resulted in seven deaths, five injuries, and the hostage-taking of nine women . The victims included both civilians and security personnel. detikcom report Five Road Project Workers Killed in Tolikara One of the deadliest incidents reportedly occurred on August 2, 2026 , in the Kali Kabur area of Woniki District, Tolikara. Five road construction workers from PT Sutan Harauli Jaya were found dead with gunshot wounds and signs of severe physical assault. Five other workers were successfully evacuated alive and received medical treatment. Security personnel reportedly encountered an armed disturbance during the evacuati...

  JAYAWIJAYA, PAPUA HIGHLANDS – Police have discovered a cannabis plantation in Pipukmo Village, Hubikosi District, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Highlands , on Thursday, August 27, 2026. A total of 16 cannabis plants were secured for further examination and investigation. The discovery was made through cooperation between the police and local residents. Officers conducted patrols and used drone-based aerial surveillance to locate the cannabis plants in an area relatively far from public roads. Plantation Located in Remote Area The plantation was located approximately three kilometers from the nearest public road and could only be reached on foot. The cultivated area measured approximately 260 by 400 centimeters. Police found 12 cannabis plants that were still growing , with varying sizes. Four additional plants had already been harvested, measuring approximately 120, 114, 129, and 137 centimeters. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine who planted and ow...

  MIMIKA, CENTRAL PAPUA – The reported hostage-taking of nine women in Mimika, Central Papua, has become a serious concern for the Indonesian government. The victims are reported to include women of different ages, including an elementary school student. One of the victims has also reportedly become pregnant. The incident has once again highlighted the importance of protecting civilians amid ongoing security challenges in several parts of Papua. The government, together with security authorities, has placed the safety of civilians as a priority while continuing to strengthen security measures to prevent communities from becoming victims of further violence. Government Reaffirms the State's Responsibility to Protect Civilians The Indonesian government has emphasized that civilians must be protected from all forms of violence and intimidation. The state's presence in Papua is not limited to security operations. It also includes public services, education, healthcare, infr...

  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...

  JAYAPURA, Papua – Criticism of violence allegedly involving the West Papua National Liberation Army–Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) has increasingly been voiced by Papuan university students. They argue that repeated acts of violence have caused fear and suffering among local communities and are increasingly disconnected from the interests and welfare of ordinary Papuans. The issue has drawn renewed attention following a shooting involving civilians near the 34th Baliem Valley Cultural Festival in Walesi District, Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua. The incident occurred amid a major cultural event attended by local residents as well as visitors from outside the region. According to the report, the incident was allegedly linked to TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma . The shooting reportedly occurred approximately 500 meters from the festival entrance , raising concerns about the safety of civilians attending the cultural event. Students Reject Violence in Civilian Areas Yulu...

  JAKARTA – Threats reportedly issued by the military wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) , known as the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) , against several airlines operating in Papua have raised serious concerns over aviation safety. The threats could potentially disrupt passenger mobility, logistics distribution, and access to essential services in remote areas of Papua. According to a report published by Herald.ID on August 7, 2026 , TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom named five airlines serving remote areas of Papua: Smart Aviation, Susi Air, Trigana Air, Lion Air, and National Global Aviation (NGA) . The group reportedly threatened to target aircraft or vessels that it claimed were being used in support of military operations. However, the group's claims regarding the alleged use of civilian transportation for military purposes have not been independently verified . The Herald.ID report also stated that, at the time of publication, there had been no official res...