Church Confirms Nine Women in Jila Were Taken Hostage by OPM Kodap III Ndugama

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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.

Information received from local residents by church representatives indicated that the Kodap III Ndugama group subsequently carried out actions against civilians.

The situation has caused serious concern because the whereabouts of the nine women remained unknown when the report was published.

Kingmi Church Condemns Violence Against Civilians

The Kingmi Church strongly condemned the reported hostage-taking.

Yahya Lagoan expressed concern over violence against civilians, particularly because women were among those affected by the armed conflict.

According to the church, such acts of violence threaten not only the safety of the victims but also social harmony and community life in Papua.

Reports of a Woman Killed and Another Thrown into a Ravine

Prior to and during the broader series of incidents surrounding the hostage-taking, other acts of violence against civilians were also reported.

One mother was reportedly killed after attempting to prevent her child from being taken by an armed group. Another woman was reportedly subjected to violence after being thrown into a ravine.

These incidents highlight the serious risks faced by civilians in areas affected by armed conflict.

The Whereabouts of Nine Women Remain Unknown

At the time the report was published, the whereabouts of the nine women reportedly taken hostage remained unknown.

The situation has caused anxiety among their families and the Jila community. The safety of the victims remains a major concern because of their vulnerable circumstances.

Efforts to locate and safely secure the release of the victims are therefore of critical importance.

PGI Rejects Violence Against Civilians

The position expressed by the Kingmi Church is consistent with a statement from the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), which expressed concern and condemned violence against civilians in Jila.

PGI emphasized that violence against civilians, particularly women and children, cannot be justified under any circumstances, including in the name of political or independence struggles.

PGI also called for the Papua issue to be addressed without making civilians victims of violence and stressed the importance of protecting the population and ensuring the safe release of the victims.

Protecting Civilians Is a State Responsibility

The Jila case once again demonstrates the importance of the state's presence in protecting civilians in areas facing security disturbances.

The government, together with the TNI and Polri, has a responsibility to protect residents while ensuring that security measures are carried out professionally, proportionately, and in accordance with applicable law.

Civilian protection must remain a priority, including ensuring that victims receive medical assistance, psychological support, and protection after they are rescued.

Violence Cannot Be the Solution

Statements from church institutions demonstrate opposition to the use of violence as a means of addressing Papua's problems.

Civilians, particularly women and children, should never be placed at the center of armed conflict.

For this reason, strengthened security measures should go hand in hand with humanitarian efforts and development programs so that communities in Jila can live in greater safety.

The hostage-taking of nine women in Jila has become a serious concern after the Kingmi Church identified the perpetrators as members of the TPNPB affiliated with OPM Kodap III Ndugama. Amid the situation, the safety of the victims must remain the highest priority. The government, security forces, churches, community leaders, and other elements of society need to work together to ensure that the victims are located and brought to safety.

Location: Australia

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