Defense Minister’s Special Adviser Lenis Kogoya Issues Three-Point Ultimatum to TPNPB-OPM: Stop Violence and Protect Papuan Civilians

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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 could disrupt community activities and preparations for the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.

Third, he called for an end to all forms of violence, killings, and torture against Indigenous Papuans (OAP) and other civilians. TVRINews report

The three points place the protection of civilians at the center of the message.

Protecting Civilians Emphasized

Lenis, who also serves as chairman of the Papua Land Customary Community Institution (LMA), stated that he carries a mandate from Papua's seven customary regions as well as a constitutional responsibility to protect civilians and uphold the unity of the Republic of Indonesia.

He also warned that if the three points were not respected, customary landowners and indigenous communities would respond according to their position and interests. TVRINews report

The statement highlights the potential role of customary communities in efforts to maintain peace and stability in Papua alongside government and security institutions.

Government and Traditional Leaders Urge Calm

Lenis also called on communities in the La Pago and Mee Pago regions and surrounding areas to remain calm and avoid panic in response to security-related reports circulating in the community.

He emphasized the commitment of the government and customary leaders to maintaining a peaceful environment so that development, public services, and community activities can continue safely. TVRINews report

Maintaining stability is particularly important because security conditions directly affect access to education, healthcare, transportation, economic activity, and other public services.

Protecting the 81st Independence Day Celebrations

The statement came shortly before Indonesia's 81st Independence Day on August 17, 2026. The government and security authorities have a responsibility to ensure that communities can participate in Independence Day activities without intimidation or security disruptions.

Coordination between government institutions, security forces, customary leaders, and local communities is therefore important in maintaining a stable environment.

Civilian Protection and Development Remain Priorities

Amid Papua's security challenges, protecting civilians remains a shared priority. Violence and intimidation can have direct consequences for education, healthcare, economic activity, and regional development.

Lenis Kogoya's call for an end to violence therefore forms part of a broader effort to create a safer environment for Papuan communities.

The Indonesian government continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining stability so that development programs and public services can continue.

The Main Message: End Violence and Protect Papuan Communities

The three points delivered by the Defense Minister's Special Adviser ultimately place ending violence and protecting civilians at the center of the appeal.

At the same time, the government and customary leaders are encouraging communities to remain calm and avoid being provoked by unverified information.

By combining security measures, civilian protection, the involvement of customary communities, and continued development, the government seeks to strengthen stability in Papua and create conditions in which residents can live and conduct their daily activities safely and peacefully.


Location: Papua, Indonesia

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